What's with my fingernails?

[newsnut]

I have developed marks on my fingernails much like dimples on a golf ball but smaller. Anyone know what this might be or what can take care of it?

 

[Kathy in WV]

I dont know about dimples, but lines and striations can be signals of a metabolic , or endocrine disorder. I don't know a lot about it, but I know when I was going to the Endocronologist one of the first things he looked at was my nails. He's the one who told me the above. You should probably go to the Doc and see what he says. Could be nothing but why take a chance? Kathy

 

[newsnut]

Thanks Kathy, but I don't have insurance and won't pay $60 for something I'm bound to find out in here.

 

[newsnut]

By the way, I grew up in South Charleston, where, if you don't mind saying, are you from?

 

[Pogonip]

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis seem to come up most often as a cause of pitted fingernails, amongst others:

Google Search: fingernails pitting
Address:http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=fingernails+pitting

 

[blue gecko]

Stress can have an effect on nails as well. I get to look closely at a lot of hands and I've noticed that when folks have been under stress there is a definite thinning of the nail. Sometimes this shows up as striations/pitting and most often a ridge that runs parrallel to the nail bed. The period of stress shows up as a definite change in the thickness of the nail and produces a ridge. If the stress comes on more slowly the change is harder to see. I theorize that the added muscle tension uses up more calcium and the body cannot deposit as much in extremities like nails. Body pH can have an effect as well considering Calcium is one of the alkaline buffers used to levelize pH. You might consider eating more green leafy vegies (especially raw ones) avoiding sugar, white flour, cokes and diet stuff for a little while and practice relaxing (do you sleep at night?) I'm not a doctor but these thoughts come to mind. BG

 

[Kathy in WV]

Hi newsnut,
I don't mind. I'm around the Elkview area. How long have you been gone? Kathy

 

[newsnut]

Hi Kathy, been gone about 15yrs.

 

[Dennis Olson]

The biggest single cause for pits in your nails is picking at your cuticals. The second biggest reason is zinc defficiency...

 

[Windy Ridge]

A minor injury to the base of the nail as it is just starting to grow can result in these dimples. Nails are made of protein so I doubt if it is calcium deficiency.

Windy Ridge

 

[newsnut]

Thanks for all your helpful information. In my case, stress is most likely a major factor coupled with one or more of the mineral deficiencies that have been mentioned. I pretty much have had a "third world" diet for the last 3 or 4 months.

Anyway, thanks Again! and MERRY CHRISTMAS!