Finger Nails

[Amelia Haynes]

I have a question regarding my fingernails. Originally they were nice nails, strong and well shaped. Now they have become ridged vertically, very dry and they split along the vertical ridges or large chunks break off at the tips. Sometimes this will be continuous for a few months, get better, and then commence again. As I use an emory board they continue to split, going deeper and deeper. I take Diltiazem and Toprol XL and at the present time a diuretic almost ever day. Is this problem heart disease related or could it be that it is strictly age and/or diet? Whatever, I need to know if there is anything I can do to lessen the problem.

[Cynaburst]

Re: Finger Nails

Is it possible that you have fungus? Are they discolored at all? They sell topical stuff at the pharmacy to treat that.

I have never noticed a problem with beta blockers, but don't know about the other stuff.

[Sarah]

Re: Finger Nails

i've been on a betablocker of one kind or another for twenty years. my fingernails are very soft and ridged. they tear as soon as they have any length, even from when i put my hand in a jeans pocket.

i've found that using an emory board only makes it worse as the filing action helps tear the fibers apart. i only clip my nails and never file them except rarely the teeny, tiniest bit on one nail that may need it.

there are lots of nail strengthening diet ideas out on the net, take biotin, b vitamins, and stuff like that. i don't know if any of it works as i've never cared enough to do more than take a good, broad-based supplement regime i got from my doctor.

take care,

s

[Frank]

Re: Finger Nails

I also have had ridges and splitting on my finger nails with it usually being worse on my ring fingers. It seems like it becomes more pronounced every time I stop taking my B-complex supplement. Since this problem for me has existed for a number of years, and since I was diagnosed with HOCM this past August and since have started Toprol XL, I suspect my present medication is not the cause. Whenever I resume taking B-complex supplements the ridges on my nails improve.

I am new to the HCMA group and appreciate the many posts I have thus far read.

Frank

[Reenie]

Re: Finger Nails

Hi Frank. Welcome to the HCMA. We're here for whatever questions and comments you'd like to make. I hope you enjoy our site.

Reenie

[Lisa Salberg]

Re: Finger Nails

HELLO AMELIA!
HOW ARE YOU!!!!!!!!! BIG HUGS!!!!!!!!!!
I would check with your doc and check your diet.
Be well,
lisa

[Amelia Haynes]

Re: Finger Nails

Hi to Lisa and thanks to all of you for the info/suggestions. Maybe a trip to the doc is in order. I am doing very well. The valve is now two years old and the pacemaker now 6 years. It was a long hot summer here in Texas and the humidity does cause excessive SOB which seems to be behind me presently. Now if I can just get my profile linked to the email so that I will not have to check in with my husband's name I will be happy.

[Sarah]

Re: Finger Nails

just register in your own name here and enter whatever e-mail address you want.

s

[karen]

Re: Finger Nails

I have nails that split and peel also, but if I take gelatin they get better. I just put a tablespoon of gelatin in a hot drink. Just a suggestion.