Nail problems

[daffy1]

I’ve looked thru the posts and can’t see anything relating to this. I’ve always had good strong nails. But the last few years my nails are brittle and splitting . To the state that sometimes I need to put a plaster because they split half way down the nail. I saw the gp who ran blood tests to check clacium levels but all was fine and he couldn’t give me an answer. I’ve taken supplements used nail strentheners but nothing works so am now wondering could it be the diabetes.? And is there anything else I can do

 

[Listlad]

Finger nails or toe nails?

 

[daffy1]

Fingernails mostly. But my big toe nails have some deep ridges but the DN didn’t seem concerned about them

 

[Listlad]

Fingernails mostly. But my big toe nails have some deep ridges but the DN didn’t seem concerned about them

My finger nails are as you describe. I don’t know why. They are okay, but with fine ridges though no splits.

My toenails on the other handed are massively fungally infected and this I do put down to elevated blood glucose levels. I have had part of the big toenails removed and most of the other nails are distorted. It’s been a long saga for me. I managed to fix them once with medication but my GP is reluctant to give the same medicine again owing to potential secondary side effects.

I gather tea tree oil helps. But it doesn’t sound as if you have that kind of problem and sounds more like my fingernails than toenails,

 

[endocrinegremlin]

I am the same. Nothing to do with diabetes on my part but instead, eczema. I used to think that only meant angry red cracked skin but it has other forms too. I have really sensitive skin but never put it all together for years. I find that painting my nails and keeping them short gives him the protection they need to stay strong.

 

[DCUKMod]

@daffy1 - when your GP did the bloods, did he test your thyroid and other vitamins?

There are many conditions potentially impacting nails, although in isolation it's tricky to pinpoint everything.