Nail Changes After 50: Which Ones Are Normal and Which Need a Dermatologist
SkinArticleRidges running lengthwise are common with age. A new dark streak, a nail lifting off the bed, pits, deep crosswise grooves or a color change can point to infection, skin disease or something going on inside the body. Here is what dermatologists say to have checked.
In this article
Nails change with age. They can grow more slowly, get thicker or more brittle, and develop fine ridges. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)1 says a change in color, texture or shape can be harmless but can also signal disease.1 Here is how to sort them out.
Usually harmless
- Ridges that run lengthwise, from cuticle to tip, are common and usually nothing to worry about.1
- Yellowing can come from red polish worn without a base coat, or from smoking.1
Have these checked
- A new or changing dark streak. It could be melanoma, a serious skin cancer. Not every streak is cancer, but get it examined.1 Our guide to skin self-exams includes the nails.
- A nail lifting off the nail bed, often with whitening. Causes include fungus, psoriasis and injury from aggressive manicures or cleaning under nails with sharp tools.1
- Red, swollen skin around a nail, or a nail turning greenish black, which can mean infection.1
- Pits that look like icepick dents, which can go with psoriasis, eczema or alopecia areata.1
- Yellow, thickened nails that stop growing, which can be linked to lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis or a serious infection.1
- Deep grooves running across the nail, a sign that growth paused, from fever, injury, chemotherapy or major stress. If you can’t think of a reason, get checked.1
- Very thick, overgrown nails need care from a podiatrist or dermatologist.1
- Thin, spoon-shaped nails can be a sign of low iron.1 Our article on iron and ferritin testing explains more.
- A washboard pattern down the thumbnail, often from a habit of picking or pushing back the cuticle.1
- Nails that curve down over swelling fingertips, which can be a sign of lung, heart, liver or bowel disease.1
Color clues
The AAD lists some color changes that can point to conditions inside the body:1
- Pale nails: anemia
- White nails: liver disease or diabetes
- Half pink, half white: kidney disease
A color change doesn’t always mean disease, but it’s worth a look.1
Our guides to toenail fungus and artificial nails cover related nail decisions.
Try: “I’ve noticed a thin brown line in my thumbnail that wasn’t there last year. Can you take a look?”
Skin, Head to Toe includes a short-shelf planner and a 12-week SkinLog. Use them to photograph any nail change monthly so you can see whether it grows out or spreads. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. A new or changing dark streak in a nail should be checked promptly. Spreading redness, swelling, pus or fever around a nail needs prompt care, especially if you have diabetes. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. This article discusses general dermatology guidance. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- American Academy of Dermatology12 nail changes a dermatologist should examine (opens in a new tab)abcdefghijklmnop
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