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Conditions and Diseases > Foot Disorders Forum > Thin toe nails with ridging
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Q: Thin toe nails with ridging
asked by: ficinofisher on February 21st, 2008
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For three years now, all my toe nails are becoming thinner and softer and have horizontal ridging. I don't have a fungal infection and blood tests for B12, calcium, thyroid, hormones, liver and the other usual tests have all come back normal. My finger nails have shown no similar change. Apart from osteo-arthritis which I've had since my 20's, I'm very healthy and am not taking any medication. I'm aged 46.
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rooted
replied on February 23rd, 2008
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Omega oils are helpful for healthy nails. Vitamins H and B7 can also help strengthen both hair and nails. Yo can also look into the effects of Cod Liver Oil, Alfalfa, Burdock, and Yellow Dock.
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tunkhel
replied on October 24th, 2009
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thin and ridged toenails
Hi,

My 4 year old little girl has the exact toe nail description below. I am wondering if this person has found any information on the problem or help for her toenails.
Please advise . Thanks Smile
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missg2u
replied on November 10th, 2009
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Arthritis and brittle toenails?
I am searching for the same answer ficinofisher,

what caught my attention is that you and I have a common health issue; arthritis. I've had it (juvinal Rheumatoid) since 14 and I am also in my 40's. Although my arthritis is low key now I've noticed in the past 15 years my toenails getting thinner with ridges and more brittle.
I used to have nice nails, is the arthritis showing up in our toenails? My fingernails are okay but have deep ridges also. You too?
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Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD
replied on November 17th, 2009
A simple answer to these condition is really difficult to provide. The most interesting fact is that the condition is located only on the toenails and the fingernails are not affected. This might indicate that something came into contact with the toenails and the same substance might have damaged them. Medical condition that affect the whole body such as : rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, vascular disorders usually affect both the toenaiols and the fingernails.

Although you have already checked for fungal infection, bacterial infection might also worsen the condition of the nails if it lasts for long. Applying local antibiotic creams might help in this case. However, it is not very likely that you are dealing with bacterial infection because it usually does not stay only on the nail and spreads to the surrounding skin. Furthermore, some types of cosmetic products used for the toenails might be causing the condition if applied for longer periods of time.

In the end, the ridging needs more specific visual inspection by a dermatologist, because the ridging might indicate very different types of horizontal lines on the nails. For the possible types and their causes, you can seek help from this type of skin specialist.


Best,
Dr. Goce


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