About 9 Months Ago My Fingers Started To Feel Strange

Posted on Tue, 13 Aug 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : About 9 months ago my fingers started to feel strange and my nails started receding from their beds. It is happening on all of my fingernails and toenails and shows no sign of stopping. I'm desperately trying to find out what it could be. I am a former heavy drinker and read that fluid retention can cause this but my doctor isn't sure as it's subtle to look at, even though it is very uncomfortable.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Onycholysis,, exclude thyroid disease

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to ask a doctor service
I have gone through your query and reviewed the attached photograph.
It seems to be onycholysis which is seperation of nail plate from nail bed.
It has multiple causes like thyroid disorder, dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infection and sometimes occurs without a cause.
I would recommend you to get your thyroid function tests done.
Also apply a retinoid like tazarotene gel on the nail folds at bedtime.
It is a prescription drug and you need to see the doctor in person to get it.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj