Understanding the Causes of Nail Fragility and Strange Lines: What You Need to Know

Over the past few months, I've noticed a worrying change in my nails. They have become more fragile and less smooth, and two light brown lines have appeared on my middle and thumb nails. The thumb nail, in particular, has taken on an unusual deformation. These observations have raised concerns, and I’m here to explore the possible causes and provide some guidance on what you can do if you encounter similar issues.

Common Factors Leading to Nail Damage

My recent changes in nail condition followed the use of a specific acetone nail polish remover. Given that this may have contributed to the issue, it's worth evaluating whether any other products or practices might have affected my nails. However, I added a hair, skin, and nails supplement and massaged a small amount of real olive oil on each nail daily. It took between six months and a year to regain the healthy look of my nails. These experiences suggest that certain products or practices might negatively impact nail health.

Is Fungal Infection the Culprit?

Without a visual inspection, it’s challenging to diagnose the exact cause, but a common cause of such changes is a fungal infection. My guess, therefore, is that a fungal infection might be the reason for my nail distress. However, other factors such as nutritional deficiencies can also alter the appearance of nails. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.

Uncommon Causes and Insight

Another possibility could be splinter hemorrhages. These can occur due to an inflammatory disease or a lack of a vitamin or the normal formation of melanin. Blood tests are recommended to rule out any underlying conditions that could be causing these changes. Regular check-ups and showing nail discoloration to a doctor are always a good practice.

Internal Health Indicators

The changes in my nails might indicate that something is amiss inside my body. Experiencing changes in nail appearance, especially the presence of brown lines, is usually a sign or a side effect of an underlying condition. It's crucial to consult a doctor to discuss any changes in your nails and ensure they receive a proper evaluation. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

Medication: Most medications have side effects that manifest in various ways, depending on the individual. If you are on any medication, check if nail changes, particularly brown lines, are listed as a potential side effect. Trauma: Any form of impact or serious tear to the nail bed can cause deformation in the growing nails, leading to the appearance of grooves or ridges that were not present previously.

Potential Infections and Recommendations

The presence of the brown lines could also be indicative of a nail infection, possibly due to the excessive use of nail polish or nail gels. If you are using gel polish on your nails, it would be wise to check with a dermatologist about this.

To help improve the condition of your nails and make them less fragile, consider taking supplements like biotin and using oils like olive oil on your nails. Maintaining proper moisture is essential to prevent nails from becoming brittle.

Ultimately, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any serious conditions and ensure that any changes in your nails are addressed promptly.