Hand Doctors Discuss Stress & Fingernail Problems
Recent clinical studies have proven what hand doctors have always known: mental stress can lead to physical problems with the fingernails.
As a board-certified hand specialist serving Macomb County, Dr. Uzma Rehman often encounters patients concerned about changes in their fingernails. Many are surprised to learn that both physical and mental stress can significantly affect the appearance and health of their nails. Understanding these effects can help you better care for your hands and potentially identify underlying health issues.
In this article Macomb County board certified hand doctor Dr. Uzma Rehman discusses how stress affects the fingernails.
How the Body Responds to Stress
When a person experiences a stressful situation, their body produces more of the hormone “cortisol”. The increase in this “stress hormone” can cause a variety of negative responses in the body.
Additionally, a study in the medical journal Archives of Dermatology found that stress reduces the body’s ability to retain water – leading to water loss and dehydration that can causing dryness and cracking of the skin and the fingernails.
And, because stress interferes with the body’s cellular repair mechanisms, it means that any damage to the fingernails will not be as readily repaired. The changes in the body chemistry due to excessive duress can result in physical changes to the nails. People experiencing extreme stress have been known to develop white horizontal lines across the fingernail. Additionally, brittle, peeling nails can also be a side effect of undue stress.
Mental Stress and Fingernail Problems
Interestingly, mental stress can leave its mark on your fingernails. During periods of high anxiety or prolonged stress, you may notice:
- Brittle nails that break easily
- Vertical ridges along the length of the nail
- Beau’s lines – horizontal depressions across the nails
- Habit or “tics” – repeated picking, biting, or pressing at the cuticles leading to horizontal lines
These changes occur because stress can affect your body’s ability to produce proteins and distribute nutrients effectively, impacting nail growth and strength. Additionally, stress-related habits like nail-biting or picking can cause direct damage to your nails and surrounding skin.
Stress-Triggered Fingernail “Habits”
Fingernails are not only subject to stress-related damage from these changes in body chemistry, but also from stress-triggered “habits”.
During any extreme stress – such as financial challenges, divorce, moving, illness or death of a loved one, exams, etc. – people with pre-existing nervous habits can get worse. And even people who never had nervous habits many people develop new nervous coping mechanisms. Fingernails biting, picking at cuticles, or simply rubbing the fingers over the thumbnail repeatedly can be the results of stress.
Unfortunately, these habits are not “harmless” as they can lead to nailbed infections, distortion of the nail plate, and even unsightly raised ridges in the middle of the fingernail. Additionally, stress-related finger nail biting or skin picking is also very dangerous because it increases the likelihood of coronavirus transmission.
Physical Stress & Fingernails Problems
Physical stress on your hands and fingers can manifest in various ways on your nails. For instance, repetitive actions like typing or playing musical instruments can lead to ridges or grooves across the nails. In more severe cases, trauma to the nail bed from accidents or excessive pressure can cause discoloration, splitting, or even complete nail detachment.
Exposure to harsh chemicals or frequent immersion in water, common in many professions, can also stress your nails. This can lead to brittle, weak nails that are prone to breaking or peeling. If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to protect your hands with appropriate gloves and moisturize regularly to maintain nail health.
When to See a Doctor for Fingernail Problems
While some nail changes due to stress are temporary and resolve on their own, others may indicate more serious underlying conditions. If you notice persistent changes in your nails, especially if accompanied by pain or changes in the surrounding skin, it’s crucial to consult a hand specialist like Dr. Rehman.
As an experienced hand specialist, Dr. Rehman can assess your nail health in the context of your overall hand and general health. She can provide targeted treatments to address nail issues and offer guidance on protecting your nails from the effects of both physical and mental stress.
Macomb County Hand Doctors
Remember, your nails can be a window into your overall health. By paying attention to changes in your nails and seeking professional care when needed, you can maintain not just the health of your hands, but potentially catch other health issues early. Trust Dr. Uzma Rehman and her team to provide expert care for all aspects of your hand health, including your nails.
The team of hand specialists at Macomb Hand Surgery in Macomb County care deeply about their patients. We are always here to help you with your hand and fingernail problems and concerns!