Iron Deficiency Nails

Iron Deficiency Nails

A deficiency in iron can significantly affect the health and appearance of your nails. Healthy nails are typically shiny, smooth, and slightly curved. When the body lacks sufficient iron, the nails can undergo several changes that may signal an underlying health issue.

Anemia and Nails

Anemia, characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells, disrupts oxygen flow throughout the body. This can lead to nail irregularities and impact the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. The symptoms of anemia can sometimes be overlooked. For instance, anemia may cause pale nail beds. Addressing the underlying anemia may resolve these nail symptoms.

What Do Iron Deficiency Nails Look Like?

A deficiency in iron can present in several distinct ways:

• Spoon Nails (Koilonychia): The center of the nail becomes sunken, creating a spoon-like appearance. The nails can also become thin and brittle. This condition is relatively common, with studies indicating that it occurs in 5.4% of people with an iron deficiency.
• Pale Nail Beds: A low red blood cell count due to iron deficiency can result in a pale appearance of the nail beds. Hemoglobin in red blood cells provides color to the skin, and when red blood cell counts are low, the skin and nails may lose their normal color.

Low iron levels can cause these changes in your fingernails as well.

Brittle Nail Disease

Brittle nails are typically rough, split nails that crack easily. While iron deficiency can be a contributing factor, repeated wetting and drying of the nails is a common cause of this disease. Applying lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin and wearing gloves during water-heavy tasks may help manage brittle nails.

Soft Nails

Soft nails that break or bend easily often result from overexposure to moisture or chemicals. Deficiencies in the following nutrients may also play a role:

• B Vitamins
• Calcium
• Iron
• Fatty Acids

To improve soft nails, reducing overexposure to chemicals can be a helpful first step. Speak to your healthcare practitioner and discuss any concerns you have about your nails.

Ridges in Fingernails Iron Deficiency

Ridges on fingernails can be either vertical or horizontal.

• Vertical Ridges: These run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail and typically appear later in life. Unless accompanied by color changes, they are generally not a cause for concern.
• Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines): These may indicate an underlying condition or kidney disease and require medical evaluation.

Dents in Fingernails

Dents or depressions in the fingernails can appear as nail pitting or Beau’s lines.

• Nail Pitting: This is characterized by small depressions or notches in the nails, common in individuals with skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema.
• Beau’s Lines: Horizontal grooves that run across the nails, which can be caused by several conditions.

Can Iron Deficiency Cause Black Lines on Nails?

Black lines on the nails, known as splinter hemorrhages, are usually caused by trauma to the nail. In rare instances, they may indicate psoriasis, endocarditis, or nail melanoma. If your black lines do not disappear over time or are accompanied by other symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider.

Can Iron Deficiency Cause White Spots on Nails?

White spots on nails may be a sign of zinc deficiency, allergic reactions, or fungal infections. They may even be caused by nail injuries.

Is Biting Your Nails a Sign of Iron Deficiency?

Nail biting is not typically a direct sign of iron deficiency.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Fingernails

Anemia can significantly impact the fingernails, leading to changes such as spoon nails, pale nail beds, and brittle or soft nails. Addressing the underlying iron deficiency through diet, supplements, or medical treatments can help restore nail health. If you have any of these nail conditions, talk to your healthcare practitioner about your iron levels.

References

Medical News Today: Anemia Nails: Appearance, Causes, and Treatments

Cleveland Clinic: Koilonychia (Spoon Nails)

MedlinePlus: Spoon Nails

Mayo Clinic: 7 Fingernail Problems Not to Ignore

Healthline: How to Keep Your Nails Healthy