Wavy nails have many causes, what are they?

Can nail problems be a sign of an overall health problem? This also applies when there are waves or bumps on the surface of the nail. Generally, wavy nails are not dangerous, but they need to be watched out for.

Causes of wavy nails

If you come across wavy and uneven nails, it's time to see a doctor. The reason is, changes to this one nail can be a sign of health problems, such as kidney disease, stress, and thyroid problems.

Based on the wave direction, the types of nails that are not flat are divided into two, namely the vertical and the horizontal direction. Here are some causes of wavy nails based on the type.

Vertical line wave nails

Vertical wavy nails are the most common age-related changes to the nails and are usually harmless. This type of uneven nail surface may be due to variations in the turn of the nail cells.

Even so, this type of nail can be thickened, no longer smooth, and the nails break easily. Eventually, the nails will form a number of vertical waves as they grow, starting from the tip of the nail to the cuticle.

Following are some of the health conditions that cause vertical wavy nails.

Iron deficiency anemia causes sunken or spoon-shaped nails.
Splinter bleeding, which is a small blood clot on the nail.
Trachyonychia, waves on the nails which are also accompanied by changes in nail color and texture.
Peripheral vascular disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis.

Horizontal line wave nails

While the vertical wave direction is usually harmless, the horizontal direction is not. Nails that change color or have horizontal waves can be a sign of certain health problems.

One of the conditions of the indentation of the nails occurs due to nail psoriasis. This is evidenced by research from Indian Journal of Dermatology. Researchers report that about 34% of people with mild psoriasis also have curved or wavy nails.

Nail psoriasis usually occurs when you have had previous skin psoriasis. The severity of this skin disease also varies, from appearing small, invisible cuts or indentations, to developing and damaging the nails.

Horizontal lines on the surface of the nails, also known as Beau lines, are also a sign of other diseases, namely:

acute kidney disease,
diabetes,
thyroid disease, and
mumps and syphilis.

Wavy nails can also be found in people who have undergone chemotherapy. That is why, you need to see a doctor if you see any unusual changes in the texture of the nail surface.

Other causes

Apart from the aforementioned health problems, spoon nails can also be caused by other things, including:

Digestive problems

This nail problem can also be caused by indigestion. Some digestive problems that interfere with nutrient absorption can change the appearance of your nails, including:

Crohn's disease,
celiac disease, and
ulcerative colitis.

Injury

A nail that is hit by a book or stuck in a door can certainly cause bruising and can discolor the nail black and uneven. However, this condition will disappear as the nail grows.

If nail changes occur without injury, this may be a sign of a more serious problem. Immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

How to treat damaged and wavy nails

Actually, the condition of the surface of the nail that is wavy or uneven should not always be treated as long as it is relatively mild. However, you should not delay overcoming this problem when the indentation in your nails deepens and gets worse.

How to treat wavy nails must be in accordance with the cause. For example, nail damage caused by diabetes would have to be overcome by managing blood sugar levels so that the nail surface becomes smooth.

Meanwhile, uneven nails due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be reduced by changing your diet according to your condition.

Always try to take care of your nails, both on your hands and feet. This is to prevent new problems from appearing on the nails, such as fungal infections or discoloration of the nails.

If you have further questions, please consult with your doctor to find the right solution.