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What Causes Vertical Lines On The Nails?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015

Question: My nails have developed vertical lines on them over the year. Most noticable on the little finger. Also there are no lunulas other than small on thumb.
I do suffer from vitiligo but also am seeing some premature grey hairs in the last year also.
I've had some blood tests and not found anything yet. Please help!

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Multiple causes, see description please

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query and would try to help you in the best possible way. There could be a number of causes for your condition. Few common causes include:

> Melanoma
> Rheumatic Fever
> Psoriasis
> Malnutrition
> hereditary/genetic
> Autoimmune disorder
> Vitamin deficiency

I would recommend you to visit a dermatologist for detailed examination & workup.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Hi,
Actually I attach my blood test results, there were some that had * next to them..
Maybe this will give an answer?

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably Malnutrition

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the query. I have gone through the attached report. Almost all your values are withing range. MCV, bicarbonate, phosphate & HDL are at borderline. As i mentioned in my previous post that malnutrition may also cause your symptoms and all the borderline labs could be because of it. Similarly if you are taking any medication then it could also cause the deranged values. In your labs, MCV is high(although borderline). It could be due to low Vit B12 or folic acid or both. For that i would suggest you following things:

> Take vitamin B12 & folic acid supplements
> Eat green leafy vegetables.
> Fresh fruits & juices.
> Fish, eggs & almonds are rich in both vitamins.
> Avoid junk food.

If problem persists then i would suggest you to visit a Medical Specialist for further evaluation.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (2 hours later)

Thanks for reply. I like to drink beer a couple of days a week. I've checked my B12 and seems fine, however, I'd like to check folic acid. I'm taking a B-Complex supplement, do you recommend high dose?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not increase the dose without discussing with your doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the query. No, do not increase the dose before getting the baseline levels & discussion with your treating doctor. It takes some time for levels to get back to normal after starting oral intake.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (30 hours later)

Hi,
I had an active b12 test which came back as 73 pmol/l range is 25 to 165..

Im currently taking anibiotic for acne.

The supplement b complex im having i've now been taking for around a month.

Could it be folic acid im deficent in?

I also enjoy beer two days a week, quite a lot.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably folic acid deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Yes it could be folic acid deficiency. As you are taking supplements so hopefully it will replenish the deficiency soon. You can get an appointment for a medical specialist or a dermatologist as well for your personal satisfaction. Don't forget to close the discussion and rate it. Feel free to contact me directly on HCM by visiting http://goo.gl/fxj9bG

Wishing you good health !!

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

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (8 hours later)

Thanks for your reply. So you would be concerned with my MCV as a doctor?
I will show it to my dermatologist too as I see him soon.

Do you recommend I take a 'high dose' vitamin b complex supplement? I am taking a b complex but there are stronger ones from where I buy also the stronger ones include something called PABA?

How long would it approx take for the b to rise to normal level?
How long would it take for the grey hair to reverse to normal and the nails to look healthy and lunulas to reappear?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Don't increase dose before discussing with your tretaing doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello

- Thank you for getting back with the query. If i were your treating doctor then i would have advised folic acid levels and blood peripheral film. Although for individuals with no symptom other than borderline raised MCV level one can ignore it BUT in your case as symptoms are also present so its better to confirm the levels.

- As mentioned earlier do not increase the dose without discussion with your treating doctors and folic acid levels.

- Usually supplements are recommended for 1-2 months depending upon the severity of deficiency.

- Apart from supplements, balanced diet will also help you for long term. Such diet includes:
` Green leafy vegetables
` peas
` chickpeas
` brown rice
` Fresh fruits & vegetables
` Meat

- It may take few weeks to months You can get approximate duration by visiting a dermatologist after clinical examination

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it. Feel free to contact me directly on HCM by visiting http://goo.gl/fxj9bG

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju