Vertical splitting nail problem.

[marilynmcl]

Does anyone have fingernails that split downwardly? Mine are doing just that...with ridges going down too. They catch on my clothes and when they do it is very painful as they then split right past the quick and I end up having to clip the split nail also past the quick to stop it splitting down to the cuticle. Have put nail cream on them and been to a manicurist to see if I could get them fixed but they still keep splitting. I have Systemic Sclerosis and am on lots of medications ..mycophenolate, clopidogrel etc. so wonder if it is the meds I have to take or if it is the scleroderma to blame.

[Joan59]

Hi Marilynmcl I have SSc like yourself had it now for 18yrs and this year my nails have been doing the same thing ridges from top to bottom. I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia and also Vitamin B12 deficient I am on treatment for both. More pills lol. Get your bloods checked.

Hope this helps

Joan

[Julesboz]

Hi there, I don't have any autoimmune diseases diagnosed but I do have raynauds and suffer from unexplained anaemia and low b12, for which I supplement. In my experience, splitting nails, exactly as you have described, is one of the symptoms of anaemia. As soon as my iron levels drop my nails start splitting. When I've supplemented and my iron levels are raised, my nails are as hard as iron (pardon the pun!). Sometimes medication can stop or reduce the absorption of iron. Maybe it would be worth checking to see if you are lacking any vitamins/minerals?

[marilynmcl in reply to Julesboz]

Many thanks for replying ...will definitely ask my doctor to check me for anaemia next visit! x

[Patatie50 in reply to Julesboz]

It has been a while since I wrote in this forum. New questions today: How do you know if you lack B vitamins/minerals such as calcium& magnesium?How do you check for anemia? I take Coumadin following a stroke to my brain at age 57, caused by clot in brain. A hereditary problem. Dr prescribes the use of Coumadin. Been taking pills for over 20 years. The pills do help and closely monitored by local Coumadin Clinic. But my PC doc will not check my B-vitamins levels, calcium or magnesium levels. Or, for Anemia (which was problem all through childhood. No doctors have ever checked me for any of this during adulthood. I have Raynauds, suspected scloderma and connective tissue disease ( all diagnosed by first Rheumatologist). New Rheumatologist says I don’t need testing and destroyed my old records to thin my file. Now wants me to take infusions of medicine for Osteoporosis but I’m afraid to do that. I am allergic to so many things and have been my entire life. (Examples are Demerol and Crestor to name just 2 of many drug intolerances). I don’t know what to do. Had been taking Menest for my bone problems which was well tolerated and working nicely, but new Rheumatologist won’t prescribe. Now, after several years of non treatment, I’ve developed osteoporosis. Having trouble with my teeth, etc. I also have arthritis and take Celebrex once a day. Now she wants to eliminate Celebrex too. There is no one worth their salt in this area where I live. I’m 69 and been told I’ve had a long life. But I’m not ready to give up yet and any doctor who says that should have her license revoked. I don’t know what to do. Any suggestions?

[Julesboz in reply to Patatie50]

It sounds like you may be in the US? I’m in the UK and we can try and persuade our GPs to do tests (and make complaints if they don’t) or we can order tests via private labs and pay for them. I’m not sure how you can do this outside of the UK, sorry. Perhaps someone here who lives in the US will be able to help?

[marilynmcl in reply to Patatie50]

Most of the problems you ask about can easily be checked with blood tests and can be treated successfully.

[Patatie50 in reply to marilynmcl]

Live in the USA. I just need to find a doctor who will take me seriously and do the tests. Thanks for your input. Appreciate it.

[marilynmcl in reply to Patatie50]

If you ask for blood tests to be done I think they should take you seriously! good luck and hope all is better for you in the future!x