I was diagnosed with RA in 2021. Since then I have noticed my previously strong and healthy nails becoming more and more dry and ridged.I have tried numerous nail treatments, creams etc but nothing really helps.
Does anyone have experience of this? If so have you found anything that helps?
Don’t really know….but maybe up your calcium/Vit D? Have a word with your rheumy nurse.I’ve had RA 20+ years & my nails have remained as strong as ever…through many different drugs,
Worth a try next time you see your nurse!
Thanks, I will ask next time.
My nails are dry, brittle and ridged too with a few dark lines on the length of them. I asked my GP to look at them, he said it was just part of normal aging, the nail beds get damaged throughout our life time. I was a little concerned about the dark lines (melanomas of the nail present like this) but he said is wasn't melanoma as the darkness of my nail lines changed in different light, melanoma doesn't do this.
If you have any concerns, it is worth having your nails checked out.
Thanks, I will ask at my next appt ( not sure when that will be!). I don't have the dark lines but many vertical ridges, especially on the thumb nails.
Hi Mmrr,
I have the ridges and black lines too. The dermatology doctor checked them out and said it wasn’t melanoma. I too used to have nice nails. My sister, who had cancer 5 years ago, also has very ridged nails dating back to then. I am sure it is an effect of chronic illness on the body.
it is certainly a known symptom of psoriatic arthritis, which I have, and my nails have been wrecked by it. So I don’t think it’s a stretch to think it could also be attributable to RA. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that there’s much you can do about it, but my rheumy nurse recently advised that if I wanted to go for ‘false’ nails, gel ones are best, and least likely to cause any further damage, although I haven’t tried it yet!
Thanks, I haven't been brave enough to try false nails yet, but may have to! I will remember to ask for gel ones if I do 
Falso nails do make nails more brittle if you stop having them if already brittle worth checking with salon. Try using biotin used for hair and nails helped a lot for me but check supplement with meds
Don’t think I would use false nails especially gel ones. You read about people developing fungal nail infections and their nails softening with them so I would be thin carefully, you don’t want to make things worse. I suppose if you need nice nails for a special occasion regular plastic nails for a short time might be ok.
I used to have ridged finger nails but no longer and I’m unsure why. Worth mentioning to a doctor as there’s may be a reason that can hopefully be rectified 🤞🏻
That sounds hopeful, thanks
I’m the same. I had beautiful nails no brittle and ridged. My one thumb nail has split down the middle it catches on everything it’s so short now and skin around it so dry peeling and sore. Told nothing can be done . Do go to your rheumatologist it may help with medication that could be offered
lost 3 today as split get so fed up
Oh no, that's not nice for you!
Yes, my nails are terribly dry and ridged (thumb nails worst). I try to keep them long but at the moment 3 have broken. Seems to go in stages - sometimes worse than others. I use a nail oil every day and handcream but they haven't really improved much...
Not sure about RA but psoriatic arthritis certainly does.
It's one of the things checked by Dr on first examination ridges length wise one of symptoms
Rheumy has never mentioned my nails, maybe just noticed them without saying anything. I didn't think of a connection with RA until more recently, I just thought it was me getting older!
same and my doctor said it was just age. I don’t buy into that. My nails are super super ridged.
I had problems with some drugs I was on. I have found that having my nails manicured and gel varnished regularly has helped them not to break or split. This also helps my well being as amongst all the RA issues my nails look nice making me smile when I see them and great for my self esteem as they are positively commented on often by people who I do not even know ie in shops by retail staff etc. Wishing you All The Best
Thanks lolamylo
My nails have stayed the same. Did your doctor put you on folic acid?
Hi, yes I'm on folic acid 6 days per week.
Speak to your GP to see if they can advise you. Good luck.
My nails generally became more brittle but strangely I have ridges on my thumb nails and they’re as tough as old boots 😆 I take a marine collagen (powder) supplement which has helped with my hair and nails (and hoping my bones too🤞) ….. but please don’t start any supplements before checking first with your GP or rheumy.
Thanks, I will mention that at my next appointment (whenever that may be !)
I had been under Rheumatology with what was classed as sero-negative inflammatory arthritis for over a decade. However, I have just received an updated diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. The nail ridges (and some little dints in them) were a primary reason for this. I have never had psoriasis itself. It hasn't changed my treatment really, but I guess it may at some point in the future. Definitely worth mentioning when you have an appointment.
That's interesting, I thought you had to have also had psoriasis. I hadn't liked to mention my nails at an appointment because it seemed a bit trivial but I think I definitely will next time.
There were a couple of other things I think too - my Grandad had psoriasis and my inflamed joints aren't always mirrored on both sides e.g. currently it's my right knee but not the left, but it's worth mentioning.
I have psoriatic arthritis but never had psoriasis and I also have ridged/dented thumbnails
I'm learning such a lot today ! My colleague has psoriatic arthritis, but she also has severe psoriasis. I always thought that was the case.
I’m sure I read somewhere that nails do become ridged with RA.
I’m pretty sure meds have an effect too… as does malabsorption of nutrients from food.
Many of us take vitamin supplements….
No answers I’m afraid, just experience and thoughts based of various articles I’ve studied over the years…
note my diagnosis is Adult Onset Stills Disease which for me manifests as RA. I have other AI conditions linked to rheumatoid disease. My nails are affected, dry, brittle, flaky, splintery, vertical lines, dips in the nails. Nails on fingers with restricted movement are worse and this apply to feet as well. I have found nothing to help in over 40 years I’m afraid.
AI conditions never stop giving do they . I'm sorry you've had them for so long. x
I've got both RA and PSA. My nails can be quite bad at times. With the blessing of my rheumatologist, I now take collagen, hair and nail vitamin and methylfolate. I also use vaseline on my nails every night as well as using a ridge filler. Good luck 👍🏾
Thanks, I will definitely ask next time.
Hi, this is an interesting thread as I have had a similar problem with the toenails on both big toes. This has definitely coincided with the onset of my illness but strangely all my other nails on both hands and feet are unaffected but my big toes have stopped growing completely for the past three years and are terribly discoloured and ridged.
I have had them checked for a fungal infection twice with no evidence of infection showing. Rheumatology and GP not really interested and it doesn’t seem to affect me in any other way apart from the appearance so it’s all a bit of a mystery.
It is interesting that there seems there could be a link to RA/inflammation issues unless this problem is very widespread in the general population I suppose.
Yes I hadn't considered a connection until recently. I thought it was just getting older but it definitely coincided with the start of my RA.
You could try Sally Hanson Maximum Growth. You paint it on like nail varnish and it strengthens your nails.
Thanks
Yes it's a known symptom. My nails became ridged and brittle. I asked for advice in another RA group I belong to and received this reply from a manicurist who also has RA (I've been using the dadi oil and have noticed a marked improvement)
"l’m a celebrity manicurist with 20 years experience so l feel my time has come to provide some useful information.
Dadi oil - religiously use. 1 drop on each nail two to three times a day. Every day. Like antibiotics for the nails. £5
will see you a months use. Safe for nut allergy
Skin hair and nails tablets. If it doesn't contain Folic acid and Collagen take them separately.
IBX manicures. It repairs the keratin at a molecular level.
It's normally £15-20. Once a week for 4 weeks then once a month going forward.
Keep them short ish and always use clippers, don't buff.
Lightly file with 240 grit on one direction to smooth edges not the plate.
You can also have a HEMA free builder gel. "
Thanks
my nails are the same , fed up with growing them and then they split down middle (I have PsA ) so now I just keep them short but still give them a good manicure and wear mail strengthner varnish , it seems they keep nicer for longer, eventually thy split again so return to short again . It feels nice giving them a good manicure but they always split in the end, so feel your pain . I would only have gel nails for a special occasion but even on occasion it will make your nails worse.
I’ve got psoriatic arthritis and my nails have become steadily worse, over the last 10 years I’ve tried loads of paint-on and rub-in treatments, all from well respected (and not inexpensive) brands, which made very little difference. I also take a daily hair & nail supplement and a good multivitamin. I have finally found something that works like magic - good old cuticle oil (I use OPI) painted on a couple of times a day every time my nails are bare has stopped them flaking and peeling down the ridges and at the tips. Before I discovered the oil treatment I found Leighton Denny Time Repair nail elixir was the best to protect them, other similar strengtheners made them progressively worse underneath. It’s a clear varnish, stops them getting worse and makes them look healthy, whiter tips and shiny. You have to leave a 2-hour gap after an oil treatment before painting with anything.
Thanks, that sounds worth trying
Are you on any meds for RA? Some drugs can affect the nails too.
My toe nails have gone thick with meds I need to go to chiropodist for a clip!
I have PSA,RA & OA my nails were the first trigger for diagnosis of PSA & RA they became brittle and skin around them sore then ridged and seperarated from nail beds GP referred me to dermatology who presribed steroid creams to no avail then started me on PUVA lamp treatment also used for other psoriasis types, it was quite intensive but very successful, I now have just 1 thumbnail which split after treatment, it was biopsied and showed the nail bed was damaged but nothing sinister found .I only paint my nails now for special occasions and was told not to use false nails as I don't want to trigger any more damage. Like you I don't have psoriasis anywhere else it is just another symptom of PSA &RA which rears its head in your nails.
I have RA and my nails have become brittle and thin with vertical ridges. What helps me is massaging lotion to the nails several times a day. I occasionally apply a nail strengthening varnish which does make them stronger. If a nail chips, I apply a small piece of tan medical paper tape to protect it until it grows enough to reach a length to make the nail even. Gel manicures have been a disaster in that they made my nails extremely fragile after removal. When I had a serious infection years ago with extended periods of high temperatures, I would always find deep horizontal ridges as the nails grew.
It seems it's the body's reaction to illness. I thought it was just age, but to here definitely seems to be a connection.
hHi I take Vit D daily and Folic Acid on days when not taking Methotrexate. I found this helps everything !
I have the same problem and have taken to the GP and consultant rheumatologist recently and neither have any comment.
Ps one thing that I found helps but I keep forgetting to do it is black castor oil
It does/can affect your nails, especially toe nails. Mine fall off for no reason. However, my finger nails are just fine, I've had gel overlays for about 18 years and they are still fine but sometimes if I'm on steroid it can cause the overlay to become loose.I saw some else saying they had been recommended gel, gel is nicer on the nail whereas acrylic suffocates the nails, and left with weak, brittle, discoloured nails, could give the gel a try. My lady pre treats, preps and massages them. I only get them done as it makes me feel better about how my hands look. Make sure if you do go you find someone sympathetic to your joints, I was going to the same salon for years then one day he was training a young girl and said "Mels fingers are weird" thinking I'd laugh... I left him after my years of loyalty to the lady I have now who is just the best.
Anyway... yes it can affect them and unfortunately it's one of the many "side effects" of RA😫
All the best❤️
I've had very ridged nails and vertical splitting in some of them, and I suspect it's definitely to do with either the arthritis or the meds. I've been taking vitamin K2 supplements (along with vitamin D) for the last year or so and do think it has helped my nails which are much improved. Also my hair which isn't falling out as much and is noticeably less brittle.
Thanks,I will check that it is ok for me to take supplements, at the moment I only take vitamin D. I'm glad you have found it helps .
I take biotin, it really helps strengthen my nails, and helps with my hair loss. I have those ridges on my nails too.
x
Thanks, I will check what supplements I can take. My daughter in law takes biotin too and swears by it x
Hi yes RA can damage nail beds unfortunately. About 10 years ago I started having large holes in my nails then they would fall off. sometimes I had a growth coming through the hole which often also fell off at some point. Dermatology tried PUVA light treatment for 6 weeks but it didnt help. then the nail beds would become very inflamed. After years Dermatology & Rheumatology got their heads together & decided it was Psoriasis of the nails caused by Humira & not healing due to methotrexate. I was initially sero negative ? Psoriatic arthritis without Psoriasis but about 8 years later my RF became positive so diagnosis changed to RA. I pleaded with them not to stop Humira as I had been stable on it for 10 years so they stopped Methotrexate instead & it healed up. Unfortunately Humira became less effective & eventually stopped too. My nails became a mess after with lots of deep ridges that keep splitting which is a pain. I now use Perfect Formula Pink Gel coat & Daily moisturiser. It is just a nail varnish which puts a protective layer just like clear varnish. It dosnt help ridges appearing but helps with the splitting a bit.
Have you ever had them checked for fungal infection as that looks just like my sister’s nails that’s fungal?
I think they tested for everything. This went on for over 4 years. It would vanish then start again with inflamed fingers first then nails. Within 2 weeks after stopping methotrexate it stopped & has never returned in past 10 years.
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