Table of contents:
- Is it normal for nails to grow upward?
- What causes curved nails?
- How to care for up and crooked nails
Normally, the nails will be body straight forward with the tip slightly down. However, there are also those who experience unusual nail growth. For example, growing and curving upward (curly toenails). In fact, what causes the nails to grow up and curl? So, can it be overcome? Check out the following reviews.
Is it normal for nails to grow upward?
Nails are made of the protein keratin, which also forms hair. These protein cells accumulate on top of each other, grow in layers, and finally harden. If your nails are healthy, they will grow strong and trouble-free. Well, usually the nails will get longer and tend to point downward.
But apparently, there are also people who have the type of nails that grow upward if they get longer. Nail conditions like this are not abnormalities, but rather vertical nail types. Usually this type of nail will be owned by people who often push the tips of the nails forward when wearing shoes or have family members with similar nail types.
However, you also need to know if a vertical nail is different from an upward curved nail. Arched nails (curly toenails) This could indicate a disease or health problem. This nail problem is generally more common in toenails than in fingernails.
What causes curved nails?
Various medical problems that cause the nails to grow upward and curved include:
- Onychogryphosis.This nail condition occurs as a result of injury or infection. Also known as horn nails because of their shape that curves upwards and hardens to resemble the horns of a ram.
- Patellar nail syndrome (NPS).This condition is caused by a genetic disorder. Apart from causing the shape of the nails bent upwards, this syndrome also causes bone deformities in the knees, elbows and pelvis.
- Koilonychia.This condition is characterized by thin, brittle nails that look curved like a spoon. This usually occurs in people who are iron deficient, have celiac disease, heart disease, hypothyroidism, or hemochromatosis.
How to care for up and crooked nails
The health problems that cause the nails to curl upwards vary widely. So, if you feel something is wrong with your nails, immediately check with your doctor. The doctor will provide the right diagnosis and treatment.
Apart from seeing a doctor, you also have to be careful when treating your nails. Toenails and hands that grow upward tend to break more easily and are prone to infection. So, you must be careful about maintaining nail cleanliness. If you have a vertical nail type, some important things to look out for include:
- Using sharp and strong nail clippers
- Be diligent about cutting nails so that your nails are at least once a week. The goal is to prevent the nail from growing upward, fracture and infection. Cut each curved side of the nail and smooth it out
- Avoid cutting nails when they are wet. Wet nails are very brittle, so they risk being damaged if cut at that time. So, make sure to dry your nails first
- Be diligent in cleaning your nails to avoid fungal growth on your nails. Wash with warm water with soap, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry
- Use nail conditioner if needed
- Avoid socks made of thin materials, which can give more friction to the nails when wearing shoes. Then, choose a socks material that absorbs sweat well
- Use shoes that fit properly, not too big or too small
- If you are in a wet place, such as a swimming pool, make it a habit to wear flip flops
- Eat healthy foods that nourish your nails
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