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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Soft And Fragile Finger Nails?

my fingernails are very soft. they bend easily and tear. Both of my thumb nails have slight length-wise ridges and my left middle fingernail has more pronounced length-wise ridges which sometimes split down into the skin under my nail. what is wrong with my nails?
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM
You seem to have a possible condition of the nails called onychorrhexis, with thinning and splitting of nails.
There are various causes, mostly associated with underlying weakness or general deficiency in the body. Some of the causes to rule out are - recent illness, fever, long term illness, any long term medication.
Possibility of thyroid disorders, anemia, low iron,nutritional deficiency or poor diet.
Also rule out any skin rashes, itching or skin disorders you may have developed. Nail changes are seen in some skin disorders like lichen planus.
Check with a dermatologist to rule out other illnesses and skin problems. Fungal infection maybe checked for.
Rule out the possible causes and treat as required. You need to take a vitamin supplement with Biotin for better growth. Take evening primrose oil or Omega-3 oil capsules daily. Moisturise well and keep away from harmful chemicals, excessive washing, detergents.etc
Make sure to eat healthy.
See a dermatologist regarding follow up and improvement.
Hope this helps.
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What Causes Soft And Fragile Finger Nails?

Hi and welcome to HCM You seem to have a possible condition of the nails called onychorrhexis, with thinning and splitting of nails. There are various causes, mostly associated with underlying weakness or general deficiency in the body. Some of the causes to rule out are - recent illness, fever, long term illness, any long term medication. Possibility of thyroid disorders, anemia, low iron,nutritional deficiency or poor diet. Also rule out any skin rashes, itching or skin disorders you may have developed. Nail changes are seen in some skin disorders like lichen planus. Check with a dermatologist to rule out other illnesses and skin problems. Fungal infection maybe checked for. Rule out the possible causes and treat as required. You need to take a vitamin supplement with Biotin for better growth. Take evening primrose oil or Omega-3 oil capsules daily. Moisturise well and keep away from harmful chemicals, excessive washing, detergents.etc Make sure to eat healthy. See a dermatologist regarding follow up and improvement. Hope this helps.