What Causes Pitted Fingernails?

Not many people out there realize that fingernails can talk a lot about one’s overall wellbeing. As a matter of fact, many ailments can be detected by having a glance at one’s fingernails. As surprising as it may sound to most of you, the fact of the matter is that finger nails are often considered to be one of the easiest means to gauge health complications. In most cases, abnormality in our fingernails reveals some kind of nutritional deficiency.

Pitted fingernails are a type of fingernail deformity that can pave way into our life due to varied reasons. No points for guessing; pitted fingernails aren’t eye pleasing at all. In most cases, pitted fingernails should raise alarm bells in your ears because they are an indication that you might have been infected by psoriasis, eczema, Reiter’s syndrome or lichen planus. Children below the age of 12 are the most common prey of pitted fingernails. However, the condition does not pose grave health risks amongst children as compared to grownups.

As such, we do not have much control over this ailment. As mentioned earlier, nutrient deficiencies such inadequate supply of calcium, proteins and minerals can result into this condition. The infected person may showcase red or yellow patches under the nail plate. Apart from this, the ailment is characterized by beau’s liens running across the nail plate, separated fingernails from the nail bed and crumbling fingernails.

Psoriasis is the main culprit over here as vast majority of the population has been affected by pitted fingernails due to psoriasis. Reiter’s syndrome is another major cause of pitted fingernails. Besides this, chronic dermatitis has been closely associated with pitted fingernails. Not to undermine the fact that pitted fingernails can also occur due to some kind of injury to your fingernails. In some cases, individuals end up inviting this ailment into their lives due to their nail biting habit. In fact, not many individuals out there realize that years of nail biting habit can invite this ailment.

Fortunately, we are blessed with many options to deal with this condition. In most cases, a topical cream would be able to do the trick for you. As such, the cream would come with a set of instructions to be followed. One simply needs to follow the outlined instructions so that they can find relief from the condition. Those who prefer natural remedies can try olive oil or almond oil in order to combat this ailment. One needs to moisturize their fingernails with the aid of these oils.

Needless to say, keep your fingernails clean and short. Your best bet over here would be to wear gloves while performing household chores. Keeping your fingernails clean and short is a good way to avoid further health complications as long nails are susceptible to more wear and tear. The last thing you may want to do over here is aggravate the condition on your own. Also, it’s imperative for you to seek timely medical advice as pitted fingernails can not only be embarrassing, but can also pose great health risks.