Why Would My Finger And Toe Nails Not Be Growing

Posted on Sun, 21 Oct 2018

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

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : why would my finger and toe nails not be growing and actually splintering away?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
A few causes that need consideration...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Besides mechanical (injury) and chemical (cosmetic) damages, a few conditions cause splitting nails and nail damages. Nutritional deficiency, infection and psoriasis are few conditions that needs to be ruled out. Of these infection and psoriasis also cause structural and color changes on the nail. You may see a clear demarkation between the normal and affected areas should it be from an infection or psoriasis.

In case you don't find structural and color changes on the nail and if you are sure it isn't because of injuries, then I recommend visiting a doctor where the doctor can run some tests to check for anemia, iron level and vitamin levels.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (5 hours later)

when I ask for blood work, should I ask for a whole profile? How many tests can I get out of one blood testing?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible to take all the tests in a single prick

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I would order for complete blood count along with serum ferritin as well as serum vitamin b12, folate levels. Other tests may or may not be needed based on the individual doctor's clinical assessment.

All the tests can be done in a single prick. So it would be worthwhile to get the nail assessed by your primary care doctor before proceeding to test.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar