Denting in the fingernails refers to lines,ridges, or holes in thefingernails or toenails.
There are many causes of nail denting including dermatologic conditions andautoimmune diseasesthat cause skin cell overgrowth and buildup.
Dents in fingernails have different causes including nail pitting, Beau’s lines, and spoon nails.
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Read on to learn more about their signs, causes, and treatments.
The superficial nail plate protects the skin underneath.
One condition often associated with nail pitting isnail psoriasis.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Signs
Other symptoms may include:
How Is the Cause of Nail Pitting Diagnosed?
In some cases, a skin biopsy may be taken to identify any infections or cell abnormalities.
There are many other health conditions that can cause nail pitting.
Some of them are skin disorders, while others are not.
This is especially true if the nail pitting isnt causing any discomfort.
Medicinal creams are not always effective because they may not reach the nail bed.
The treatment for nail pitting is done by way of treating the disorder that caused it.
They were named for French physician Joseph Honore Simon Beau who first discovered the condition.
Beau’s lines can appear as moat-like depressions or dents on one or more nails.
They run horizontally across the nail plate and can affect all fingernails or just a few.
They can also affect one or more toenails, most often on the big toe.
Beau’s lines sometimes have a slight yellow discoloration similar to a fungal infection.
Beau’s lines can be triggered by any event that disrupts the nail growth.
There’s no specific treatment for Beau’s lines.
This can affect anyone including infants for a myriad of reasons.
The nails may also appear brittle and thin and feel soft to the touch.
Spoon nails are considered to be a manifestation of something deeper in the body.
Endocrine disorders, autoimmune conditions, and nutritional deficiencies are also often causes.
Treating spoon nails involves treating the underlying disease.
Getting prompt treatment can prevent the condition from worsening over time.
For example, replenishing iron levels can reverse the condition.
It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and course of treatment.
In the meantime, keeping your nails clean and moisturized will help promote growth.
In most cases, this isnt serious and is just a source of cosmetic distress.
The best thing course of action is to visit your doctor.
They will help determine theunderlying causeand best course of treatment.
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