Top Five Causes of Split Fingernails

Whether you have splitting, crumbling, or cracked fingernails, your nails can give you a few hints about your overall health. Here are the top five causes of split fingernails and what they might mean for your overall health. Read on to learn more.

Anemia

One of the first symptoms of iron deficiency is split fingernails. In children, fingernails may be spoon-shaped or koilonychia. It’s also an early sign of severe anemia, especially among manual laborers. While the cause of split fingernails is unknown, it can signal a painful anemia condition known as systemic amyloidosis.

This condition occurs when the body is not producing enough hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen throughout the body. Anemia is often caused by a deficiency in iron or another nutrient, such as vitamin C. Another cause of fingernails with ridges and vertical lines is a thyroid disorder, a condition that leads to excess levels of certain hormones in the body. In severe cases, blood transfusion or IV treatment may be necessary to replace lost red blood cells.

In addition to anemia, split fingernails may indicate psoriasis and alopecia areata. However, these conditions are sometimes caused by other diseases, such as thyroid or hypothyroidism. Other common causes of split fingernails include eczema and drugs. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor to get the correct diagnosis.

If you notice that your fingernails are spoon-shaped, you likely have an iron deficiency. This condition can be corrected by taking an iron supplement, but you need to carefully follow the instructions, or your symptoms may worsen. In most cases, replacement therapy will correct the condition. A doctor will most likely recommend a course of iron supplementation, and your child will no longer have spoon-shaped fingernails.

Another type of anemia is splinter hemorrhages, or red streaks running vertically under your nails. These can be caused by various health conditions, but you should see your doctor if they are new or accompanied by a heart murmur. If you’re experiencing new heart murmurs with splinter hemorrhages, your doctor will probably recommend a blood test to rule out endocarditis.

In addition to anemia, you should check for clubbing, which is a thickening of the tissue near the lunula. This condition may also be caused by various diseases, including lung or gastrointestinal diseases. It can also be a sign of hemochromatosis, a rare disease that affects the heart. For more information, visit your doctor. A doctor can perform an ultrasound to check the condition of your fingernails.

Hypothyroidism

Split fingernails may be a sign of hypothyroidism. You may also experience cold intolerance, high cholesterol, dry skin, and decreased sex drive. Getting your hands checked may be the first step to treating hypothyroidism. Split fingernails may also indicate an infection. If you notice that your nails are split or brittle, visit your doctor immediately.

While these symptoms are specific to hypothyroidism, they are also common to other thyroid disorders. For instance, your fingernails may be discolored or swollen. 

 In addition to dryness and cracking of the nails, hypothyroidism may lead to various other symptoms such as poor memory, weight gain, and depression.

In one study, a 46-year-old woman with hypothyroidism had white discoloration on her fingernails, called onycholysis. Her thyroid-stimulation-blocking antibody (TSBAb) was 87%, and her serum TSH level was 76 mIU/L. Onycholysis can also be a sign of a broader thyroid disorder.

If you notice split fingernails, consult a doctor as hypothyroidism can lead to other symptoms, including skin rashes, balding, and hair loss. These symptoms are usually treatable with medication. If you are not experiencing these symptoms, you should consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If your fingernails are split, your doctor may be able to prescribe a solution.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include a slower menstrual cycle, heavier menstrual periods, and a lack of energy. Hypothyroidism affects the nervous system, and you may experience depressive symptoms and mood swings. Symptoms of hypothyroidism often improve with hormone replacement therapy. The condition may require surgery or thyroid medication in some severe cases.

Psoriasis

Split fingernails are one of the common symptoms of psoriasis. They develop when the nail plate gradually separates. The gradual separation of the nail is painless. However, the pocket created in the nail plate is a potential pathway for infection. About one-third of nail psoriasis patients develop a fungal infection. These nails also tend to look chalky or flaky because of the buildup of dead skin cells underneath. Those suffering from this condition should seek medical attention to treat the underlying cause.

If you suspect that your fingernails are affected by psoriasis, visit a doctor. Split fingernails can be an early symptom. Split fingernails are often accompanied by other signs of psoriasis. Split fingernails indicate psoriasis, so the best thing to do is consult with a doctor.

Nail psoriasis often manifests itself in the nails, causing them to crumble or pull away from the finger. These problems can interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks, like writing or applying pressure. You may also notice a yellow patch on the tip of your nail or even at the cuticle. A chalky substance may also develop under your fingernails and create a gap. In addition to splitting, the affected nails may feel painful and might be tender to touch.

Psoriasis treatment depends on the severity of your condition and your emotional response to it. Treatment options can include prescription medications and controlled exposure to ultraviolet light. Depending on your severity, treatments may last eight to 12 months. You can also try topical therapies to treat your disease or apply creams and lotions to your skin. A moisturizer is recommended to keep the skin healthy.

In addition to topical treatments, doctors may recommend oral medications to treat psoriasis. These medications are usually prescribed to reduce inflammation, reduce cell buildup under the nail, and slow down the onset of the disease. Topical treatments may be used as a last resort. Topical corticosteroids can be applied to the affected nail. Alternatively, corticosteroids can be injected directly into the affected nail, but this procedure is uncomfortable. Nail polishes can also cause the condition and may discolor the nail.

Fungal infection

Split fingernails may indicate a fungal infection. The infection affects the surface of the nail plate and spreads under the cuticle and into the proximal nail bed. If the condition is severe, your doctor may recommend nail removal. It may take months or even years to clear up if the situation isn’t treated. Fortunately, there are several treatments available. For minor infections, a simple physical exam can provide the necessary information.

Cultures of the nail will show thick, coarse debris with sparse hyphae. Several different fungi can grow in nail samples; if you see one, it is a dermatophyte. For more specific confirmation, culture the nails in the laboratory. Typically, a dermatophyte will grow on the nail specimen, and the other contaminant will develop on top of the nail. If a fungal diagnosis is made by culture alone, you may have to isolate the non dermatophyte agent from successive specimens.

A fungal infection of the nail is known as onychomycosis. Despite the high risk of fungus spread, a fungal nail infection does not necessarily need to be treated, but it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis. Moreover, a fungal infection does not cause any symptoms, so you may not need any treatment. However, good foot hygiene can help prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

If your nails are half white and half brown, it is essential to seek medical attention. White fingernails may indicate cancer, AIDS, or kidney failure. If your nails are half white and half brown, they may indicate a fungal infection or a reduced blood supply to the nail bed. Otherwise, you might have what is known as Terry’s nails. If you suspect that your nails are infected with fungus, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Onychomycosis is caused by fungi, and more than 50% of nail dystrophies are caused by fungi. Using appropriate diagnostic techniques is essential to distinguish fungal infections from non-fungal ones. Certain risk factors for the development of onychomycosis include diabetes mellitus, age, and poor peripheral circulation. Split fingernails indicate a fungal infection.

What is This Black Line on My Thumb Nail?

There are many possible causes for a black line on your thumbnail. It could be caused by poor diet and vitamin deficiencies. Changing your diet and adopting a healthier lifestyle are good ways to improve your overall health and prevent fungal infections. You should eat various healthy foods loaded with iron, zinc, and vitamins. To get rid of the black line on your fingernails naturally, use one of the home remedies below.

Hutchinson’s sign

The term “Hutchinson’s sign” refers to a band of brownish-black pigment that runs along with the nail plate and is more significant than three millimeters in width. These spots usually appear on the index finger, thumb, or big toe, but they can also occur on other fingers. This sign, or Hutchinson’s sign, is a symptom of melanoma.

A characteristic of subungual melanoma is a band, stripe, streak, or line of pigment on the cuticle. A Hutchinson’s sign on the thumbnail may also be a benign condition known as longitudinal melanoma. This hyperpigmentation often mimics Hutchinson’s sign but should not be considered a malignant tumor.

During a routine checkup, it is essential to take note of any discoloration of the thumbnail. Usually, this sign is caused by an inflammatory process that is not yet cancerous, although it can be a symptom of another disease. Dermatoscopy may reveal the alerts of an invasive condition in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to undergo a detailed examination and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

A patient with pseudo-Hutchinson’s sign on multiple nails had multiple longitudinal brown bands that extended proximally under translucent cuticles. The nail folds and cuticles were unaffected. The patient’s fingernails and mucocutaneous pigmentation were normal. He was treated with hydroxyurea and consulted a dermatologist, who could not prescribe a longer-term course of treatment.

Although there is no specific test that can diagnose subungual melanoma, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these signs on your thumb. Hutchinson’s sign-on thumbnail is the most prominent symptom of subungual melanoma. However, it may also appear without the characteristic pigment streaks. However, it is essential to note that risk factors increase the likelihood of developing subungual melanoma, with prolonged exposure to sunlight being the most common.

Splinter hemorrhages

Splinter hemorrhages on the nails appear as dark, minor marks. If you notice one or more of these on more than one nail, it may be a symptom of an underlying disease or disorder. If they’re on the fingers, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis. Some of these hemorrhages may be caused by viruses or fungi, and some may signify a more significant problem.

Splinter hemorrhages on the fingernails are a common adverse side effect of anticoagulants or thrombotic medications. They occur on several to all of the nails and generally disappear after discontinuation of the drug. Anticoagulants and antithrombotics may cause splinter hemorrhages on the finger and toenails. Splinter hemorrhages are a sign of an underlying condition called antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

The cause of splinter hemorrhages is unknown. However, there is no single cure for splinter hemorrhages on the finger or thumbnail. These conditions are not severe, and a physician can perform the treatment. If, however, the symptoms persist for a long time, it’s best to seek medical attention. Splinter hemorrhages can signify more serious underlying diseases and should be treated as soon as possible.

Other causes of splinter hemorrhages include infection with a blood-clotting agent, oral contraceptives, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Medications, such as aspirin and warfarin may also be responsible. The disease may also affect the heart valves or cause other conditions. Aspirin and warfarin are known to increase the risk of splinter hemorrhages on the finger.

Psoriasis

A black line on your fingernail may be caused by various conditions, including fungal infection, trauma, or a weakened immune system. Although the black line on your fingernail may be a harmless sign of something else, you should always consult a doctor if you are unsure. Read on to learn more about the most common causes and possible treatments.

One possible cause of a black line on your fingernail is a splinter hemorrhage, a type of skin cancer that affects the subungual region of the nail. This condition occurs when the pigments in the nail bed produce too much, causing the nail bed to darken and bleed. It is estimated that about 50 percent of African Americans have this condition. Another possible cause of a black line on your fingernail is splinter hemorrhage, a type of bleeding that results from damaged small blood vessels under the nail. Subungual melanomas are also a possible cause of black lines, usually fatal.

In rare cases, the cause of the black line on your fingernail may be a bacterial infection. If the disease has spread to other parts of the body, it may signify a serious health problem. Bacterial endocarditis (IEE) may cause a black line on the nail. In addition, it can also result from injuries to the pin.

Another possible cause of a dark line under your fingernail is a splinter. These lines are caused by bleeding in the tiny blood vessels under the nail bed. Splinter hemorrhages can be benign or a symptom of a disease like psoriasis. A doctor can test to determine which type of blood vessel caused the black line and the cause of the dark lines.

Bacterial endocarditis

It may also appear on the fingernail, toe, or toe. Bacteria may get onto the heart valves when the body has been exposed to bacteria. Inflammation in these areas can lead to bacterial endocarditis. If left untreated, the infection can recur and affect the heart and other organs. The best way to prevent this is to take care of yourself.

You should lookout for a longitudinal melanotic band, which is common in dark-skinned people. The band has pigmentation, which should prompt a biopsy to rule out melanoma. Additionally, there are splinter hemorrhages and thin lines beneath the nail plate. These are caused by leaky capillaries within the epidermal ridges. They may also be the result of local trauma or psoriasis. Ultimately, though, the line could be the sign of bacterial endocarditis.

Another cause of this infection is surgery. People who have undergone valve replacement or artificial heart valves are encouraged to take antibiotics before these procedures. You should seek medical attention if you notice a black line on your fingernail.

In rare cases, black lines may be the result of multiple conditions. Bacterial endocarditis affects around 15 percent of people and appears on both hands. Fortunately, there are many other possibilities for black lines on your fingernails, including fungal infection and a compromised immune system. Do not try to diagnose yourself – always seek professional help.