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What Causes Vertical Ridges On Finger Nails Along With Premature Grey Hairs?

Posted on Thu, 18 Dec 2014

Question: I have noticed that i have no lunula on my finger nails other than my thumb, im quite sure I once did. I also noticed VERTICAL ridges on my nails which again have probably developed over the years.

I also suffer from vitiligo around eyes and penile since 15 (slow to not much spreading). I've noticed hyper pigmentation recently on hands in a few areas although not that noticeable.

I noticed some premature grey hairs around my scalp scattered about quite a few.

I had a few blood tests. Thyroid came back in range, antibodies for thyroid was ok too.
Blood sugar is ok. Cortisol was higher than normal and outside the range. DHEAs were higher and outside the range.

I have a good diet full of protein and vegetables. I do drink hardcore on two days a week. I don’t smoke. I suffer from stress and anxiety or depression symptoms.

I’ve felt a little better since taking a vitamin b complex supplement. Im currently taking an antibiotic for acne. My acne isn’t terrible but I do keep getting spots regular.

I've looked up a few things. A deficency seems the most likley to me, but also as I have auto immune I wondered about Cushings disease or something similar? I look forward to your reply.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cusging's not an autoimmune disorder

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concerns.

Since you have vitiligo and premature grey hairs, an autoimmune disorder is likely. Celiac disease and pernicious anemias are other autoimmune diosrders which can cause deficiency of iron, Vitamin D and vitamin B12. Since you have vertical ridges in nails, it may be a good idea to screen for iron deficiency.

Cushing's disease is not an auto immune disorder. Alcohol and stress can cause increase in DHEA-S and Cortisol levels

Please meet a general physician who can examine yourself and look for clues of other autoimmune disorders.

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (45 hours later)

Thanks I will see if I can get a blood test for iron.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get well soon

Detailed Answer:
WISH YOU GOOD HEALTH

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (10 hours later)

Thanks :) I just wanted to ask you if you think this blood test is good:
http://bluehorizonmedicals.co.uk/epages/89289b91-b6f9-4318-864a-f492cbae7827.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/89289b91-b6f9-4318-864a-f492cbae7827/Products/HSHX

It says it has iron test with it along with loads of other stuff? Would this test identify anything serious?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (28 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, it will.

Detailed Answer:
Detailed answer:

Hello and thank you for the follow up.

Yes, the test which you linked does include iron profile along with many parameters that look for any abnormality in kidney functions, liver functions among others and will most certainly help identify any major nutritional deficiencies and most other minor problems as well.

If you have no financial constraints, then you can go for this test as this will serve as a baseline for future references even if all the parameters turn out to be fine.

Hope this answers your query, please feel free to write back to me in case you need further clarifications.

Wishing you good health

Best regards.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar