Why is the fingernail of the index finger slanted?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
A slanted fingernail on the index finger may result from congenital developmental differences, poor finger habits, onychomycosis, paronychia, or nutrition-related nail disorders. It can be improved by adjusting habits, protecting the nail, and medical treatment. If the deformity worsens or is accompanied by nail thickening or pain, prompt medical attention is necessary. This condition may also stem from genetic factors or abnormal nail development during the embryonic stage.
The index finger nail being slanted may result from congenital developmental differences, poor finger habits, onychomycosis, paronychia, or nutritional nail disorders. This condition can be improved by adjusting habits, protecting the nails, and medical treatment. If the deformity worsens or is accompanied by nail thickening or pain, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Congenital developmental differences: Genetic factors or abnormal nail development during embryonic growth may cause the index finger nail to grow naturally crooked, without other discomfort. It is recommended to avoid forced correction, protect the nail from trauma, and regularly trim it to maintain neatness.
2. Poor finger habits: Long-term forceful gripping, frequent friction, or nail biting involving the index finger can lead to uneven pressure on the nail, causing it to grow crooked. It is advised to correct nail-biting behavior, reduce excessive use of the index finger, and avoid contact with rough materials.
3. Onychomycosis: Fungal infection of the nail by dermatophytes damages the nail bed and structure, leading to thickened, discolored, and abnormally growing nails, sometimes accompanied by brittleness. It is recommended to use antifungal medications such as amorolfine hydrochloride solution, itraconazole capsules, or ciclopirox cream under medical guidance to improve symptoms.
4. Paronychia: Bacterial infection around the nail causes inflammation, which irritates the nail bed and results in crooked nail growth, often accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain around the nail. Patients may use mupirocin ointment, cefaclor capsules, or iodine tincture for disinfection under a doctor's supervision to relieve symptoms.
5. Nutritional nail disease: Long-term deficiency of nutrients such as vitamin A, calcium, or iron can impair normal nail growth, resulting in brittle texture and crooked development. Patients may take vitamin A softgels, calcium carbonate D3 tablets, or ferrous sulfate oral solution as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.
Daily care includes keeping hands clean and dry, trimming nails to an appropriate length without cutting them too short or pointed, avoiding exposure to chemical detergents and sharp objects, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy nail growth.
