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Nails growing downwards. Has anyone else had this happen?

(24 Posts)
mumski Thu 28-Nov-24 20:55:35

My nails have been growing like this for the last few months. They look awful.
I Googled it and it said it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
I went to the GPs 3 weeks ago. He Googled it as he hadn't come across it before. Asked me to send photos and take a blood test.
The blood test has come back fine, but nothing from the GP.
I have a job where my hands/nails are on show as I do weddings. I feel self conscious as they look so awful .
Has anyone had experience of this and were they able to do anything about it?
Thank you for any help. x

petra Thu 28-Nov-24 20:59:23

I’d go to a reputable nail bar.
Or, trim them short.

Jaxjacky Thu 28-Nov-24 21:34:02

Get artificial ones for work?

ayse Thu 28-Nov-24 21:54:07

It’s called nail clubbing www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/7-fingernail-problems-not-to-ignore/art-20546860#:~:text=Nail%20clubbing%20happens%20when%20the,Low%20oxygen%20in%20the%20blood.

This article gives some reasons for it and may give you some clues. I’d go back to your doctor with this sort of info and ask (demand) they look into it for you.

Skydancer Thu 28-Nov-24 22:08:20

My Mum’s nails became brittle as she aged. She was advised to eat an almond every day and her nails got a lot better. Not the same I know but it may help.

Shinamae Thu 28-Nov-24 22:15:26

Mine were exactly like that a couple of years ago, not all of them just two and eventually they sorted themselves out 🤷‍♀️

CooCooforCocoPuffs Fri 29-Nov-24 03:22:39

Smoking can cause this; chronic (over time, years) slightly to low blood oxygen levels due to smoking.

mumski Fri 29-Nov-24 08:39:54

Thank you everyone for their responses.
I'll certainly go back to my GP.
If he didn't know what it was, I thought he would check with colleagues.
Many thanks

escaped Fri 29-Nov-24 08:45:55

Usually your fingers and nails, to see if they're clubbing, are one of the first things respiratory consultants check. I wondered what mine was asking for when I had to put them on her desk..

harrigran Fri 29-Nov-24 08:47:04

Nail clubbing was something I often encountered as a nurse but usually on the cardiac or respiratory wards. Perhaps a second opinion?

PinkCosmos Fri 29-Nov-24 08:57:48

Could it possible be because of a specific pair of shoes that you are wearing. If they are tight or pressing on your toes could this have caused it. Over time your toenails could have been pressed in a downward direction as they were growing over the edge of your toe.

My DH has hammer toes because his shoes were always too small when he was growing up. I know it isn't the same thing but the same idea - external pressure.

Aldom Fri 29-Nov-24 10:00:49

PinkCosmos it is the OP's fingers that are clubbed, not her toes. smile

PinkCosmos Fri 29-Nov-24 10:35:14

Sorry, my apologies. I thought the picture was a foot confused

Sennelier1 Sun 01-Dec-24 14:04:15

PinkCosmos

Sorry, my apologies. I thought the picture was a foot confused

I thought so too but when I looked closer I saw it's a hand with bended fingers 😊

PaperMonster Sun 01-Dec-24 14:28:57

Mine have done this my entire life. Collagen deficiency. I have some nail polish nowadays that helps.

JdotJ Sun 01-Dec-24 14:35:50

mumski

My nails have been growing like this for the last few months. They look awful.
I Googled it and it said it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
I went to the GPs 3 weeks ago. He Googled it as he hadn't come across it before. Asked me to send photos and take a blood test.
The blood test has come back fine, but nothing from the GP.
I have a job where my hands/nails are on show as I do weddings. I feel self conscious as they look so awful .
Has anyone had experience of this and were they able to do anything about it?
Thank you for any help. x

Goodness me, no offence but I'd change my doctor if he had to Google this.

Could be heart/respiratory related but needs checking

NemosMum Sun 01-Dec-24 14:47:17

So sorry mumski - can't believe your GP hadn't come across it! Get a different GP and ask them to run some tests on you for heart/respiratory/metabolic problems. All the best.

Allira Sun 01-Dec-24 15:42:22

Skydancer

My Mum’s nails became brittle as she aged. She was advised to eat an almond every day and her nails got a lot better. Not the same I know but it may help.

I'll try that tip thank you Skydancer
My nails peel, flake, break, especially in the winter although I do take supplements.
I try to remeber to use Marigolds when I wash up or clean but don't always so wonder if it's because of that.

Allira Sun 01-Dec-24 15:43:47

I hope you find out the cause, Mumski

Heathen414 Sun 01-Dec-24 17:20:49

Maybe see a dermatologist have had nails turn on sides grow into skin was related to my psoriasis

Fleurpepper Sun 01-Dec-24 17:44:47

Jaxjacky

Get artificial ones for work?

the very last thing you should do. Read the Mayo clinic article. I am amazed your GP didn't know about this- it is very basic stuff.

valsdomain Sun 01-Dec-24 18:50:05

Could be iron deficiency.

MiniMoon Sun 01-Dec-24 19:51:30

My nails had all gone ridged and bumpy. When covid 19 hit I started taking Vitobiotics well woman over 70s multi vitamins. My nails recovered really quickly and have never looked better.

mumski Sun 01-Dec-24 20:04:46

Thank you for your replies.
Apparently the GP was a Registrar . I'm not sure his Mum knew he was out without permission.
I've been able to get an appointment for next Saturday at a different surgery.
I feel much better equipped to fight my corner, with all the useful information given.
Thank you again.