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What causes nail indentation?

Nov 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Nail indentation may be caused by age-related factors, seasonal changes, trauma, iron deficiency anemia, or onychomycosis. Appropriate management can be implemented based on the underlying cause. With aging, nail growth slows down and the nails become more brittle, which may result in mild indentations. It is recommended to maintain good hand hygiene, trim nails regularly, and apply moisturizing nail oil.

Nail indentations may be caused by factors such as aging, seasonal changes, trauma, iron-deficiency anemia, or onychomycosis. Appropriate measures can be taken based on the underlying cause.

1. Aging: As people age, nail growth slows down and nails become more brittle, which may lead to mild indentations. It is recommended to maintain good hand hygiene, trim nails regularly, and apply moisturizing nail oils to improve the appearance of nails to some extent.

2. Seasonal Changes: In winter, dry conditions can cause nails to lose moisture, making the nail plates dry and fragile, which may result in indentations. Keeping hands well-moisturized with hand creams containing ingredients like urea or glycerin, applied to both the nails and surrounding skin, can help retain nail hydration.

3. Trauma: After physical impact or injury to the nail, indentations or protrusions may occur, possibly accompanied by pain and swelling. Applying a cold compress to the affected area is recommended to constrict blood vessels and reduce discomfort caused by the injury.

4. Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin production and impairs circulation, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the nail bed, which affects normal nail growth and shape. This condition may also present with symptoms such as fatigue and pallor. Patients may take medications such as ferrous sulfate oral solution, ferrous fumarate tablets, or sucrose iron injection under medical supervision.

5. Onychomycosis: Caused by fungal infection, onychomycosis damages the nail plate structure, resulting in nail deformity, thickening, and indentations. Other symptoms may include cloudiness, nail separation, or lifting. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may use topical antifungal agents such as terbinafine hydrochloride cream, miconazole nitrate cream, or clotrimazole cream to improve the condition.

If any bodily discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention and follow professional treatment recommendations.

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