Curling finger nails can mean a number of things, including; fungal nail infections, deficiency in certain vitamins, weak nails, nails that are too long.
Fungal nail infections - Although these occur more frequently in toe nails, they can also affect the finger nails too. Most commonly this may be passed from toe fungal nail infections although this is not always the case. People who have low immunity or those who wash their hands a lot are also more susceptible to such infections. In addition to fingernails curling other symptoms are likely to be present such as discoloration, peeling, flaking or itching around the nail.
Vitamin deficiency - Although this is more common than fungal nail infections; usually nails that curl due to deficiency would be more likely to curl downwards. This can't be ruled out and so if the other possibilities don't seem as relevant a check up with a GP would be a good idea. Vitamins which affect the nail growth include Vitamin A and C, folic acid, proteins and calcium.
Weak nails - Some people just have generally weaker nails than others. Again this could be linked to diet or health but sometimes this can just be a genetic factor. Improving diet and general health can help strengthen nails slightly even if it is genetic; but they may still be weaker than other people's nails.
Nails that are too long - Since nails don't grow evenly it is likely that once they get to a certain length they will curl or twist. Some people's nails will spiral if they get long enough, this is perfectly normal. If nails are very long this may be the most likely cause.
These are only a few possibilities as to why nails may curl; if curling nails are a worry, don't feel it isn't something to bother a GP about. Nails can signify underlying health problems and a GP will be happy to investigate further.
Fungal nail infections - Although these occur more frequently in toe nails, they can also affect the finger nails too. Most commonly this may be passed from toe fungal nail infections although this is not always the case. People who have low immunity or those who wash their hands a lot are also more susceptible to such infections. In addition to fingernails curling other symptoms are likely to be present such as discoloration, peeling, flaking or itching around the nail.
Vitamin deficiency - Although this is more common than fungal nail infections; usually nails that curl due to deficiency would be more likely to curl downwards. This can't be ruled out and so if the other possibilities don't seem as relevant a check up with a GP would be a good idea. Vitamins which affect the nail growth include Vitamin A and C, folic acid, proteins and calcium.
Weak nails - Some people just have generally weaker nails than others. Again this could be linked to diet or health but sometimes this can just be a genetic factor. Improving diet and general health can help strengthen nails slightly even if it is genetic; but they may still be weaker than other people's nails.
Nails that are too long - Since nails don't grow evenly it is likely that once they get to a certain length they will curl or twist. Some people's nails will spiral if they get long enough, this is perfectly normal. If nails are very long this may be the most likely cause.
These are only a few possibilities as to why nails may curl; if curling nails are a worry, don't feel it isn't something to bother a GP about. Nails can signify underlying health problems and a GP will be happy to investigate further.
