Fingernail changes - does that mean I'm getting worse?

[tmgread]

I've noticed that over the past year since I've had Crohn's, my fingernails and toenails are changing shape. The nail beds are higher and the nails curve more. I've heard this can be associated with Crohn's but I don't know why.
Am I missing an essential vitamin or something? Does this mean that even though I think the disease is under control, it's really running amuck?

 

[BigUglyCat]

I have curled up fingernails as well, have for years. It seems to stay that way regardless of whether or not I am in a flare. I think of it as just a reminder (in case I would ever forget) that I have CD. I have not heard of a vitamin deficiency regarding that, but it's a good question.

 

[DustyKat]

Ooooooh, I think you will find many kindred spirits here, take a look at this thread.........................

http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=10967&highlight=clubbing

It is often associated with chronic inflammation, hence Crohns Disease, as well as a number of other chronic conditions and they don't really know why it happens.

Dusty.

 

[tmgread]

Thanks for the info. I know I shouldn't let this stuff get to me, but it's freaky to see a visible sign that something is going wrong with me.

 

[vonfunk]

my doctors always check for clubbing. For te most past I only have the ridges due to anaemia.

 

[Outpatient]

Clubbing is very common with Crohns. I had people ask me why my finger nails looked so weird and until I talked to my DR. about it i Had no idea.

 

[tmgread]

Does it keep getting worse? My doctor has never looked at my fingernails, but I've only had Crohn's for less than a year.

 

[Outpatient]

no, they go to a certain point and just stayed like that. but they have not gotten any worse though. how long have you fingernails been clubbing for now?

 

[tmgread]

I've only noticed it over the last couple of months. So far it's my ring fingers, but all of my nails are getting faint vertical ridges, which I've never had before. I take B12 shots and vitamins, so I don't know why I'm getting ridges.

 

[vonfunk]

I've only noticed it over the last couple of months. So far it's my ring fingers, but all of my nails are getting faint vertical ridges, which I've never had before. I take B12 shots and vitamins, so I don't know why I'm getting ridges.

The ridges on your finger nails are a sign of a deficiency, if you take B12 shots, then there is a very good chance it's either zinc or iron.

I have the same thing going on with my thumb nails. For me it's an iron deficiency, due to severe and chronic anaemia.

 

[tmgread]

I've never had zinc checked and my iron was a below normal, but not terrible. I tried to take zinc tablets once for a cold but they made me really sick to my stomach. How do you take your zinc?

 

[vonfunk]

I've never actually taken zinc supplements. My issue has always been iron.

My diet is high in meat and dairy, and supplemented in pumpkin seeds. Which seems to take care of it. It usually an issue for people that have low meat intake.

 

[Rebecca85]

You mean your nails aren't supposed to be ridged? Mine have been as long as I can remember! Well I'm taking iron tablets now, so will see if the ridges improve once my iron level comes up! Also just checked and my multivit has zinc in so hopefully I'm OK on that front.