Why do I have Pitted Fingernails?

Nails are considered important parts of our skin. Aside from being a protective covering to the sensitive tips of the fingers, fingernails are also used for griping and scratching purposes. Unfortunately, our fingernails can also be affected by many problems. One of this is called pitted fingernails. But what are pitted fingernails? Most of us may not have heard of the medical condition called pitted fingernails. Nonetheless, there are actually a lot of people who have this kind of nail problem. Pitted fingernails are described as small depressions that are located on the surface of the nail that affects the nail health. So why do I have pitted fingernails?

What are Pitted Fingernails?

Pitted fingernails can be caused by fingernail injuries and can be a result from fingernail biting. Other signs of pitted nails can be due to psoriasis which can form small indentations on the fingernails without any other symptoms in the body. Because of this occurrence, fingernails can also be a good indication to the overall wellbeing of our system. In fact, we can discover a lot of ailments just by looking at the condition of the fingernails. In addition to this, nutritional deficiencies can also be identified with the abnormalities observed in the fingernails.

Pitted fingernails are considered as a type of deformity. As we can see, these deformed fingernails are definitely unpleasant for the eyes to see. However, this problem is actually more than just being unattractive. Pitted fingernails can also be an alarm and an indication to other problems in the body like eczema, reiter’s syndrome and lichen planus. Although this deformity can happen to all people, pitted fingernails are considered to be common among children aged 12 years and younger. Nonetheless, this condition poses the same kind of risk no matter what the age is.

Main Culprits

Although there can be many reasons why pitted fingernails occur, one of the most common cause is psoriasis. A large population of people with pitted fingernails is caused by the presence of psoriasis. Reiter’s syndrome is another possible cause of this fingernail condition as well as chronic dermatitis. Nonetheless, simple injuries are already enough in causing this problem. Such injuries include nail biting which can already promote the pitting of the nails. However, this habit takes years to occur before the condition can occur.

Aside from the diseases that can cause this problem, nutritional deficiencies can also pave way for pitted fingernails to occur. Some of these nutrient deficiencies include inadequate supply of calcium in the body as well as protein and other minerals. This problem can also show other symptoms such as the formation of red and yellow patches under the nail plate. This ailment is additionally characterized by the beau’s liens that run across the nail plate. This separates the fingernails from the nail bed and the crumbling fingernails.

Treatment for Pitted Fingernails

Fortunately, there are effective ways in order to treat or cure this type of nail problem. In most cases of pitted fingernails, the use of a topical cream is recommended in order to solve the problem. However, this cream requires a set of instructions to be followed in order to achieve great results. In addition to these, natural remedies can also be used in replacement of this topical cream in order to cure pitted fingernails. Some of the most common natural remedies include the use of olive or almond oil in order to combat the ailment. Nevertheless, constant application of moisturizers in addition to these oils is needed in order to enhance and hasten the effects.

Proper hygiene is also recommended in order to treat and/or prevent pitted fingernails. This includes keeping the nails clean and short to prevent injuries. Wearing of gloves can also be a big help while doing activities that requires the use of hands such as household chores. Providing proper hygiene can likewise avoid any complications that are susceptible to more wear and tear of the nails. It is must that we must prevent the aggravation of the condition in order to promote faster nail recovery. Aside from this, a consultation to a medical expert can also be helpful since pitted fingernails do not only affect the looks of our fingers but can also pose a great risk to our health.

These are just some of the important facts with regards to the occurrence of pitted fingernails. Taking this kind of condition for granted can cause serious complications in the future. This is the reason why immediate and fast action is required when it comes to dealing with pitted fingernails.