As individuals advance in years, their finger and toe nails may begin to experience changes, such as becoming frail, dried out, or becoming thicker than usual. Indications of such modifications may include ridges, grooves, and a dull yellowish tone to the nail. In spite of the fact that these peculiarities are often benign and tend to be of little concern, they could be an indication of something more perilous underneath.
Many seemingly innocuous external changes in nail appearance can indicate underlying health concerns. Nail ridges, for instance, are caused by changes in the nail’s growth structure, but do not require any particular treatment and are generally considered harmless. Similarly, grooves present along the nail may be of a greater depth and thus catch on clothing, but no medical treatment is necessary. While color changes to the nail can also result from innocuous causes such as aging or medication intake, yellow nails may signify a more serious condition (ex. liver disease). Nevertheless, these alterations of the nails are typically considered innocuous and pose no threat to health.
If you find yourself observing any peculiar alterations in your nails, it is best to seek guidance from a medical professional. A doctor or dermatologist can accurately assess whether the modifications are benign or if there is a more serious health issue beneath the surface.