Why do nails bend down?
1. Respiratory diseases
If your nails curl downward, this may indicate a problem with your respiratory tract. This symptom is often present in people with diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, asthma and lung cancer .
In this case, deformation occurs due to lack of oxygen and the nails may have a bluish or yellowish color.
2. Vitamin and Nutrient Deficiencies
If the body does not receive enough vitamins and minerals, the plates can curl and break down. It is important to change your diet so that your body gets enough vitamin B-12, iron and other nutrients.
If the diet does not help, you need to take a course of vitamins.
Advice. In order to determine which substances the body lacks, donate blood for laboratory tests.
3. Trauma
Curling of nails may be due to injury. If you have recently injured your fingers, you may notice that the plates have begun to become deformed.
Despite the discomfort and appearance, do not get rid of this nail, as a new plate will appear under it on the injured area of skin.
Once it grows, you can trim off the misshapen edge.
4. Heredity
The cause of curvature of the plates may be heredity. If your parents have nails that bend downwards, then this defect will not bypass you either. There is no reason to worry if other symptoms do not bother you.
To make your nails look more beautiful, try to trim them as needed.
In any case, an examination by a doctor will not hurt. Due to hereditary problems, you may miss important diseases that provoke this symptom.
5. Chronic diseases
In the presence of chronic liver diseases and problems with blood vessels, nails may bend downward.
In some cases, this is a symptom of intestinal inflammation and AIDS.
What can cause ridged nails?
Ribbing, prominence, or a defect in the nail plate can have several different causes , which must be taken into account before taking therapeutic steps. The reasons for the occurrence of a defect in the nail plate can be a consequence of mechanical damage, a disorder (imbalance) of the body's activity, or an infectious disease.
Mechanical damage
Ribbed nails
- Traumatic manicure - damaged eponychium, cuticle or matrix
- Finger injury due to impact, strong pressure or compression
- Prolonged compression in the area of the nail plate, poor circulation
- Careless handling of chemicals
- Frostbite or systemic cold exposure
Men are more likely to damage the nail plate due to active physical work . Women usually acquire this defect in the case of careless manicure procedures - the base of the nail is injured.
Also, when handling chemicals carelessly or during frostbite on the hands, a negative effect occurs on the root of the nail, leading to the appearance of ribbing and deformation.
Malfunctions of the body
Uneven nails
- Problems in the functioning of the endocrine system - diabetes mellitus or thyroid disorders
- Metabolic disorders , vitamin deficiency
- Problems in the gastrointestinal tract
- Genetic disorders
- Deficiency of vitamins A and E
- Stress
The relief of the nail can be a signal of disruption of the endocrine system. Most often, nails become uneven in elderly people , who experience irreversible processes of degradation of the digestive and endocrine systems.
also develop this defect during pregnancy The ribbing of their nails is usually caused by a deficiency of microelements and vitamins A, E and B, which is a consequence of strong changes in hormonal levels. These problems, after a detailed analysis, can be corrected by taking vitamin complexes.
Infectious diseases
- Dermatitis and chronic diseases ( eczema, psoriasis, lichen )
- Fungal infection
- Infection with helminths and parasites
- Intoxication , poisoning
Nails, horizontally ribbed
Horizontal relief (ribbing) of the nail should definitely cause alarm for the reason that it can be a consequence of a fungal infection . In this case, without proper therapy, the situation cannot be solved, and ribbing is a litmus test that reveals the problem.
The most likely cause for disorders on the surface of the nail in a child are helminths and intrauterine parasites , which have a detrimental effect on the developing organism. Therefore, the problem of the appearance of grooves and dents on the nail plate in a child should be monitored by parents, as signaling possible serious consequences.
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Why do nails curl upward?
Koilonychia (curling nails) is the medical term given to a condition of brittle and brittle nails in which they curl upward and resemble a spoon in appearance.
Iron deficiency
First of all, this problem may be associated with iron deficiency anemia. Iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein in the blood that transports oxygen throughout the body.
Anemia occurs when the body does not produce enough red blood cells, causing the body's tissues to lack oxygen.
Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by not getting enough iron.
Other reasons
Upward bending can also be caused by injury, exposure to petroleum-based solvents (in an occupational setting), or patella syndrome (a skeletal disorder).
In rare cases, it appears in hemochromatosis, Raynaud's disease and lupus. Curling may occur during the first few days of an infant's life, but as the nails develop, they return to their normal appearance.
Ingrown toenail and its effective treatment
The key to effective treatment is wearing loose shoes and proper nail treatment. It is considered correct to cut it along one line with sharp scissors.
Salt baths give excellent results. They are done once a day before bedtime. Salt softens the nail and disinfects the wound.
It has been proven that baths with added salt are more effective in the first stage of the disease. You need to prepare the liquid at a certain temperature so as not to get burned, but it should not cool down for 20 minutes.
To prepare the bath, you need to dissolve 2 tbsp. spoons of salt in a liter of water. You can use regular table or sea salt.
A bath with baking soda can be used as a home treatment. With its help, swelling and inflammation are relieved.
To prepare the medicinal composition, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of baking soda is dissolved in 3 liters of hot water. The duration of the bath is 15-30 minutes.
Baths using potassium permanganate help in cases of suppuration of the problem area or infection. This procedure must be performed three times a day.
Its duration is up to 15 minutes. Potassium permanganate is added to hot water until a solution of unsaturated pink color is obtained.
After the procedure, the softened nail plate is carefully lifted using a cotton swab or toothpick, and a twisted strip of cotton wool is placed under it. This measure helps to cope with acute pain, moving its cause away from damaged skin.
The measure helps reduce pressure on the nail plate and reduce pain.
If there are no complications, aloe will help in home treatment. The pulp of the leaf is tightly bandaged to the problem area overnight.
In the morning the bandage is changed. It is necessary to trim the nail plate in time so that it does not begin to dig into the skin again.
What to do when bending your nails? Recommendations for troubleshooting the problem
If you reconsider your lifestyle and diet, you can avoid curling nails and improve their appearance . Basic moments:
1. Take nutritional supplements
Curling nails indicate that your body is lacking many other minerals and nutrients in addition to iron..
For example, such as vitamins B12 and D3. Try including foods rich in these minerals in your diet - spinach, cheese and fish.
2. Monitor your protein levels
With protein deficiency, not only problems with nails are possible, but also a general decline in the entire immune system.
A protein diet will help prevent hair and skin problems. Unfortunately, people suffering from nail problems are also susceptible to these ailments.
3. Massage your cuticles
If you massage your cuticles regularly, you can straighten your nails and point them in the right direction. It won’t work right away, but over time, with daily massage, you can achieve a certain result.
This method is rarely used, but in terms of effectiveness it is in no way inferior to other methods.
4. Minimize the use of chemicals
Try reducing your use of cosmetics containing acetone . You can wear away the natural protective film, causing your nails to curl and break.
Advice. If you cannot refuse varnish and nail polish remover, consult a specialist about an analogue that does not contain substances harmful to you.
“You don’t have to have hereditary problems or chronic diseases for your nails to curl and lose their natural beauty over time. Any violation of hygiene and careless attitude towards your fingers can lead to irreversible consequences. Avoid injury and contact with various dirt. It is recommended to wash your fingers only with soap intended for washing hands, and never with detergent.” Natalia Deift (dermatologist, Germany)
5. Don't forget to cut your nails
If you take care of your nails, their curvature will not be noticeable . In addition, uncut curved plates can cause a lot of inconvenience at home and at work.
Even just touching another person can cause various scratches and injuries. The best way to avoid this situation is to trim your nails regularly to keep them looking neat and well-groomed.
6. Wear gloves
When cleaning around the house, try to wear rubber gloves. Getting chemicals on your fingers can make the situation worse.
7. Take biotin to prevent bending
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is easy and safe to use. This supplement is used to restore hair and nail growth. Consult your physician before use.
Always remember that problems with nails are the first signal that something is wrong with the body. If your illness is not associated with injury or heredity, immediately contact a specialist to undergo a complete examination of the body.
Attention! Avoid getting dust and dirt under your nails to avoid infections and complications of existing problems.
At home, you can only get rid of the symptoms, but the disease will not go away and may even get worse. Don't forget to watch your diet and hygiene. Be sure to follow the necessary recommendations.
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Lack of microelements is the main cause of poor nail condition
A poor diet, an unbalanced or inappropriate diet, or skipping lunch or dinner may be a consequence of poor nail condition.
It is important that proteins and microelements enter the body in the required quantities. It will take about a month to six months to treat curled nails. It's worth starting with protein. This element is vital for the body in general and for nails in particular. Per kilogram of a person's weight, 1-1.5 grams of protein should be consumed daily. The diet should be changed in favor of foods such as chicken, meat, eggs, milk, and sea fish. The second most important element for the body, which is missing if nails curl, is magnesium. You need to consume up to 400 mg of magnesium per day. The difficulty is that it is quite difficult to satisfy the need for this microelement using food alone. Meat is the richest in magnesium. But in order for the body to receive the required amount of microelement, you need to eat up to 2 kilograms of meat per day. Therefore, the lack of magnesium is compensated with the help of drugs, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. The lack of calcium, the third element necessary for healthy nails, can be compensated for by fermented milk products. The body should receive approximately 800 mg of calcium per day.
What to do if the nail plate curls up?
You can eliminate curling of the nail plate using traditional medicine recipes and following the recommendations of a specialist.
How to fix a bent nail using folk remedies
To prevent nails from bending in different directions, you need to eliminate their fragility, fragility and weakness. There are several effective recipes for this.
Wax mask with essential oil
Melt 20 g of wax in a steam bath. Add 4-7 drops of olive or coconut oil to the hot liquid. Dip your fingers into the warm consistency for 2-3 seconds, then immediately place your hands under a cold stream of water. There is no need to remove any mask particles remaining on your fingers. They will penetrate into weakened areas and nourish them with essential microelements and vitamins.
It is better to do the procedure at night. The course of treatment is 5–7 procedures (1 session every 3 days).
A wax bath will nourish your nails with the necessary elements.
Revitalizing red pepper mask
Mix ground pepper (1/2 tbsp.) with 10 ml of boiling water and 1 tbsp. l. baby cream Place the ingredients in a steam bath, stirring continuously for 5 minutes. After cooling, spread the creamy mixture over the entire surface of the nail and under its regrown part. The cuticle also needs to be treated. Leave for 20–25 minutes and rinse with warm water.
This mask helps increase blood circulation, stimulates growth and restores the weakened plate. It is recommended to do the procedure no more than once a month, so as not to provoke excessive dryness of the stratum corneum.
A red pepper mask will help improve the condition of your nails
Olive oil baths
You will need 100 g of olive extract. Dip your fingers into the heated liquid for 10–12 minutes, then pat them dry with a towel and let the oil absorb on its own, then wipe off the excess.
Several such sessions will nourish the deformed areas and the skin around them with the necessary moisture and vitamins (A, E, K).
Olive oil contains many vitamins
Salt treatments
Dilute iodized salt (15 g) in 200 ml of warm water. Dip your fingertips into the solution until the liquid covers your nails. The duration of the manipulation is 10–15 minutes, once every 3 days.
Before starting treatment with folk remedies, it is recommended to consult a doctor or manicurist (depending on the cause of the defect - disease or external factors).
Baths with iodized salt will help improve your nails
Massage
Rub a small amount of cosmetic oil or cream into the nails and cuticles with a soft brush and light movements. It is recommended to carry out the manipulation for at least 10 minutes. This will improve blood supply around the bed and normalize the exchange of nutrients in the tissues.
Massage helps children especially well. If a child’s nails bend up or down, you can rub vitamin creams and essential oils into the plate. Massage movements promote maximum absorption of beneficial substances into the stratum corneum.
You can improve blood circulation with a massage in the nail area
If your nails bend and change shape, consult a doctor. Recipes become powerless if the cause of plate deformation lies in disruption of the internal organs. Therefore, first you need to undergo a full examination, and only after ruling out diseases, begin to get rid of nail defects.
Important Tips:
- If the deformation of the plate is congenital, you need to wear short nails or extend artificial ones.
- It is important to pay attention to nutrition. It must be complete and include the entire complex of vitamins.
- It is necessary to use gloves in case of prolonged contact with water (washing dishes, hand washing).
- Lead an active lifestyle (walks in nature, swimming, running). This will strengthen the immune system and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the manicure.
- Use manicure tools correctly, make sure that your nails do not dry out (use moisturizer regularly).
The fragility and thinning of the nail plate often leads to its twisting in different directions. If the nails begin to bend, in most cases, this indicates a lack of nutrients in the body.
Such a defect is also evidence of a violation of manicure technique, abuse of varnishes and gels, as well as an incorrect lifestyle. In any case, you first need to determine the cause, and then begin treatment.
They systematically do professional manicures, file them themselves, varnish them, and take care of the skin of their hands and nails. Similar actions are carried out for the care of children's nail plates. Every mother cares for her own child’s nails. But even after such courtship, the plates begin to bend. Let's take a closer look at why fingernails curl in adults and children, and what needs to be done in such cases.
Other means
If your nails grow upward and you don’t know what to do about it, then you can add some masks from available ingredients to baths with sea salt and iodine. You can apply lemon juice to your nails. It effectively strengthens the plate, and also whitens it and makes it stronger. You can apply the juice twice a day. It is not necessary to rub it into the plate or hold your fingers in it; you can simply dip the tips of your nails into the pulp of the cut half of a lemon.
Iodine also helps a lot not only in baths, but also in its pure form. It should be applied at night every day. At first the plate will turn yellow, but this unsightly tint will disappear overnight. In general, before starting any treatment for this feature, it is recommended to cut your nails as short as possible.
If you know exactly why your fingernails curl and are sure that this is not related to internal diseases, then these methods can be used independently at home. However, if you are not sure why your nails are curling, it is better to consult a doctor. There have been cases when such treatment helped to begin treatment of pathologies of internal organs at an early stage.
Healthy nail plates are characterized by a dense structure, good elasticity and a smooth surface without deformed areas. Some pathological changes in the body or external factors can cause the growth of deformed nails, which worsen the impeccable appearance of women's fingers, and even a decorative manicure does not help hide an unpleasant flaw under layers of popular gel polish. In some cases, the direction of growth of the nail plates changes and it is important to seek advice from a podiatrist as soon as possible if this pathology develops, since only a specialist will be able to find an accurate answer to the question of why the nails on your hands are bent.
If the nail becomes very thin and soft, then its side edges gradually bend, cutting into the side ridges. Sometimes the surface of the nail plates becomes cup-shaped and the tip of the free edge bends upward (koilonychia). But more often than not, fingernails bend downward and such deformation gives women’s fingers an ugly appearance that is difficult to disguise with cosmetics for manicure. In addition, the curved tips of the free edge injure the soft tissues of the nail bed, often break or crack, and constantly cling to clothing.
♦ REASONS
Dystrophy of the nail plates is often associated with improper nail care, exposure to aggressive substances on their structure, and impaired nutrition of the cells of the nail bed or matrix. Let's consider the main reasons that can cause onychodystrophy with curvature of the free edge.
Why do the tips of your fingernails curl downwards?
❶ Hereditary predisposition.
A congenital feature that begins to appear with age, when the dense structure of the plates has finally formed and you grow medium or long fingernails. The tip of the free edge may barely bend down, or the defect appears very noticeably. This pathology is equally characteristic of both thick and thin plates. The solution to the problem is to grow your nails not too long;
❷ Deficiency of vitamins and microelements.
The lack of biologically significant elements and organic compounds in the body leads to a poor supply of the growth zone (matrix) of the nails. As a result, the nail plates grow back weak, deformed and uneven. A deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body can also be judged by such signs as fragility and severe hair loss. A balanced diet (include more vegetables, fruits, herbs in the daily menu) and a vitamin-mineral complex will help solve the problem;
❸ Bruised nail.
Severe damage to the nail plate in the lunula area often leads to deformation and curvature of the growing tip of the nail;
❹ Incorrect nail care.
Nails begin to flake, become thinner and bend downwards after constant extensions or use of gel polish without breaks, frequent removal of the decorative coating with a liquid containing acetone, and treatment of the surface of the plates with too rough nail files (especially metal ones). To restore your nails to a neat appearance, let them rest for at least 3 weeks after extensions, use high-quality nail polish remover, polish the plates with glass or ceramic files with an abrasive suitable for natural nails, rub nourishing oils into the plates and cuticles;
❺ Diseases.
Severe deformation of the nail plates can be caused by dysfunction of internal organs (liver, pancreas or thyroid gland), damage to the nail phalanges by a fungal infection, and a number of chronic diseases (which cause atrophy and curvature of weakened nails).
— in the photo: overgrown fingernails bend downwards
♦ WHAT TO DO
You can strengthen your nail plates and restore their normal growth using folk remedies. But before you start treating onychodystrophy at home, you need to find out the cause of the disease and only a doctor can prescribe complex therapy when identifying internal problems of the body.
Wax mask.
Melt 30 grams in a water bath. beeswax, combine with 1 teaspoon of nourishing oil (peach, orange, almond, jojoba) and 5 drops of essential oil (burdock, wheat, celandine or tea tree). Dip your fingers into the prepared product and immediately after that put your hands under a stream of cold water. Keep the frozen mask on your fingers for 15-20 minutes. Course: 1 time every three days, 10-12 procedures;
Red pepper mask.
This product increases blood flow into the nail bed, stimulates the growth of strong nails, and restores the normal structure of the plates. Place a bowl with 3 tablespoons of hot boiling water in a water bath, add a tablespoon of baby cream and 2 teaspoons of ground red pepper. Stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes in a water bath. When the mixture has cooled slightly, apply a thick layer of the mask to problem nails. After 30 minutes, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. Repeat the procedure no more than once every 2 weeks;
Revitalizing bath.
Fill the container with warm water (200 ml) and dilute 20 grams in it.
iodized salt, then add 1 teaspoon of aloe juice and the same amount of baking soda. Keep your fingers in the bath for 15 minutes, then wipe dry with a towel and apply nourishing oil around each nail; Massage of the nail phalanx.
The procedure increases blood flow and improves the absorption of nutrients into the layers of periungual skin. Using a fingertip or a soft brush, rub the vitamin cream (you can add 3 drops of essential oil) into the cuticle and skin around the nail plate. We massage each nail phalanx for about a minute. Perform the procedure several times a week (you can alternate with the use of glycerin during massage on other days).
♦ VIDEO MATERIALS
Deformations of the nail plate, its bending in different directions and changes in shape look unnatural and spoil the appearance of the hands. Why do fingernails bend, what is the reason and how to deal with such a defect?
Bent nails ruin the appearance of your fingers
