Are brittle nails common, either on prednisolone or with PMR?

[missrat]

[2watsons]

In my case ,for first time i have long nails ,so how ,have no idea ,,have been on large doses now down to 6mg after a year lost sight in one eye due to GCR and got long nails instead,so love who knows good luck

[mega in reply to 2watsons]

Hello missrat, My sympathy for the deteroriation in your nails; having 'suffered' from weak, brittle nails all my life I know just how disappointing and frustrating it can be even though others may consider it inconsequential! Funnily enough though, I have had the same experience as 2watsons - my nails have never been stronger. Hair, a shadow of its former self, skin frighteningly fragile. Preds seem to have different affects on different people but, brilliant though they are, no one seems to come through unscathed.

I feel my strenthened nails are down to the several medecines I am on after a DEXA scan when I first went on to steroids, two years ago and was found to have high levels of osteoporosis. I hope you've had a scan.

I think yours will return and meantime treat yourself to some salon false ones - you deserve it!

[mega in reply to 2watsons]

Hello 2watsons. I was just coming to the end of a several paragraph reply to you when it disappeared off the face of the earth.

Now, I will just send my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your sight and as a fellow GCA 'sufferer' say that I also have never had such long strong nails!

You're a brave person and I wish you well soon.

Mega

[polkadotcom]

Pred can be the culprit - it's ruined my nails, but left my hair alone. At least the nails are relatively easy to treat, there are any number of moisturising/strengthening products now. After treating I cover up with nail varnish which disguises most faults!

[Hidden]

Yes Ann,

I can relate to this problem and have wondered if my brittle nails are related to my skin being more fragile, particularly when I was on the higher doses. Our nails are, like our hair, outgrowths of our skin.

My skin has improved as I am on 6.5mg of pred and my hair seems to have regained most of it's former condition, but my nails are still rather brittle, but I think calcium helps so I take a gram per day. Also, I keep my nails short and remove any damage immediately. Plus I massage plenty of conditioner into them when I do my hands. I find nail polish dries them out too much so only use it on special occassions. I have got into the habit of using gloves to protect my hands when gardening etc.

Pats.

[GreyOwl]

They tell me steroids thin the skin and slow down healing and as nails are of the same material in a different form I guess brittle nails can be blamed on the devil's drug also!