Brittle fingernails and toenails

[Gitaga]

Hi

I'm on a daily dose of Rheumalef and prednisone tabs. Not sure if it's related, but my nails are so brittle. They break below the base of the nail and is very sore. Also debilitating. I cannot perform certain tasks as a result. Not sure if it's something that's common with RA sufferers.

Also does anyone have tendonitis of the thumb as a result of RA. My rheumy has now prescribed methotrexate injections in addition to the above meds to help with the inflammation. Just not confident with the treatment anymore. Have this condition for about 2 years now that and the pain is unbearable. I'm sure there must be something out there to fix this.

Thanks ☺

[charisma]

Hi Gitaga

I find my nails have vertical ridges and break easily but not at the base, sounds awful!

I have tenosynovitis in wrists and paratenonitis too in hand. RD attacks anywhere in the body but some medications eg leflunomide are known to cause tenosynovitis.

I also sometimes find my thumb tendons are very tight and painful.

Best speak to GP or Specialist Rheumatologist.

[Gitaga in reply to charisma]

Thank youbfor this information. .Will only see rhemy in 3 months. But will definitely speak to her about it.

[Hidden]

It could be the steroids causing the brittle nails. I don't know what dose you are on, and I've never heard of Rheumalef .

[Gitaga in reply to Hidden]

Probably.. But if I go off it the inflammation flares up... Can't win.. Thanks

[nomoreheels]

I go through periods of brittle nails & also did around the time I was on leflunomide. (Rheumalef is a brand name for LEF in South Africa). What helps me is a nail treatment call Renunail. It has to be used as directed, only for a period of time otherwise I find they become brittle again. It's slightly opaque in the bottle but goes clear, not shiny so it's suitable for anyone who's job doesn't allow nail varnish or for men as it's not noticeable. It can also be used under nail varnish just like a base coat & still complete the treatment process.

When I get breaks at the base of the nail (they can be so painful) I just dab a little nail glue over the break & file the nail back as near as possible to the nail plate so it doesn't catch on anything. Calendula helps healing.

Your Rheumy prescribing MTX injection must mean he's considered you have disease activity, your tendon problems are related to inflammation so another reason, if he's aware, he's suggested your treatment to be MTX. It is the normal choice as an anchor med & usually first choice for RD. I've been on it 10 years, 9 injecting.

It's a pity you've lost confidence because it sounds as though it wasn't explained to you that it can take a few different treatment regimes to find the one that controls you best. Just as RD affects everyone differently so do the meds I'm afraid. It's not a disease where everyone presents the same symptoms or severity & why there are many different meds of different types available to our Rheumy's to try & control it.

I hope that MTX makes the difference for you & it helps the tendon trouble.

[Gitaga]

Thank you for your reply and all your valuable tips. I will certainly try Renunail. Hope we can get it in S. A.

I'm hoping that the MTX works.... Will keep url posted on my progress.

[MarshaM]

I take Biotin in addition to my meds. My Dr didn't care and it helps with nails. It's also supposed to help with hair but my hair keeps breaking off and falling g out. I also take the folic acid that is also supposed to help with the hair and nails. My nails look great but I don't use polish as that also makes them brittle.

I am on low dose MTX and Hydroxy

[Hopeful1]

As I was on several steroids courses for flares for a while Rheumy ordered a bone density scan as steroids can dispose to oesteoperosis. Some tendency shown so px for vitD and calcium and alendronic acid. These have improved my nails which were very flaky.