Nail problems

Nail problems aren't usually caused by anything serious. Common nail problems include brittle, loose nails that may change colour or shape.

Your nails may change over time

It's normal for nails to:

become thicker or break more easily (brittle) as you get older
become harder, softer or more brittle during pregnancy – they should be healthier within 6 months of having a baby
change colour, become loose and eventually fall off after an injury

Fingernails that fall off after an injury should grow back within 6 months. Toenails can take up to 18 months.

Things you can do yourself

There are some things you can do to help with common nail problems.

Do

wear rubber gloves if your hands are often in water or you regularly use cleaning products
clean your nails with a soft nailbrush
regularly apply hand cream to your nails and fingertips
regularly trim your nails – it may help to cut nails after a shower or bath
cut injured, loose nails back to where they are still attached – this helps them to grow back normally

Don't

do not cut your nails down the edges – trim straight across the top to help avoid an ingrown toenail
do not clean under your nails with sharp objects
do not wear shoes that pinch your toes, especially when exercising
do not bite or pick your nails or the skin around them
do not ignore fungal infections on your skin – such as athlete's foot

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

you don't know why a nail has changed shape, changed colour or fallen off
the skin around your nails has become sore, red, swollen and warm (paronychia) - this can be a sign of an infection or ingrown toenail

See a podiatrist if:

your nails are too tough to cut or you can't reach them

Some GPs may be able to refer you for podiatry. You can also pay to see a podiatrist privately.

Find a podiatrist

Causes of nail problems

Most nail problems are caused by:

injuries or biting your nails
staining your nails – for example, by smoking or applying a lot of nail varnish
not regularly trimming your nails, or cutting them at an angle
your hands often being in water or cleaning products
a fungal nail infection

Nail problems can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious or long-term condition, such as:

nail psoriasis
iron deficiency anaemia
an underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid
diabetes
heart, lung or liver disease

But don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.

Some medicines can also cause nail problems. Check the side effects of any medicine you're taking.

See pictures of nails that have changed shape

A spoon-shaped nail that curves inward — Spoon-shaped nails that curve inwards (koilonychia) can be a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia

A nail with small pits and dents in it — Small dents or pits in your nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia

Fingernails with deep lines or grooves across them — Deep lines or grooves across your fingernails (Beau's lines) may happen when you're ill but should grow out

Clubbed fingernails that curve over rounded fingertips — Fingernails curving over rounded fingertips (clubbing) can be a sign of many serious, long-term conditions

Nail problems: a visual guide

Nail abnormalities can tell you a lot about your general health. Use this guide to understand what changes in the appearance of a nail can mean and when you should see a GP.

View slides