Ridged nails

Hi Lizzie Ellen

and this could be an old wives tail or not.

Ridges appear on your nails when you have had or gone through a period of illness. Not normal things like colds etc. But others.

I suppose PMR could be classed as others.

They always appear later as the nails take a longish time to grow so they are not an early indication - they are a 'history' I suppose.

Well that's my understanding.

No doubt someone else will be along with a better one.

ello Lizzie Ellen - I was just going to reply to your query, but Mrs K has pipped me to the post and she has written an almost identical reply to the one that I was going to write. However, it will be really interesting to hear how your consultant responds to your question when you see her shortly. That's great that you are feeling so very well following your reduction - really pleased for you. Keep it up!

MrsO

I can always rely on one or more of the 'Mrs' to give me an answer :D Thanks. Can you believe I'm sat at the computer googling 'nail growth' and have worked out that the ridges must have developed in the nail bed just about the time I was struggling to get out of bed and sobbing with pain! Having been told three times today how well I look (and I have to say for once, I actually feel well) I just have to look at my nails and think 'no Lizzie, you're not a hypochondriac, you have been ill, your nails say so' (just kidding). Its interesting though, I'll have to ask the Consultant when I see her, see what slant she has on it, but I'm sure you're both on the button. What a beautiful day today, if it gets just a bit warmer I'll be out in the garden this weekend. Take care.

Lizzie Ellen

I presume you are talking about vertical ridges? i.e. cuticle to tip? Medical sources indicate that they are common as we age (isn't just about everything?), cause is unknown and they have no connection with health. I believe horizontal ridges may be of more concern.

Jill

Hi Jill,

No not vertical, they're horizontal and just about halfway up the nail - quite pronounced on my thumbs and just noticable on the next three fingers, all at the same level and the new part of my nails are smooth.

Lizzie

Hi Lizzie,

In that case, I think you and your doctor are on to something. Horizontal ridges can indeed be a sign of an illness and your analysis sounds right. That's one side effect of PMR I hadn't heard of or experienced!

Best of luck,

Jill

MS JH

Not a side effect of PMR.

I have had three major illnesses which culminated in operations (first one at 32 - last one at 67) and the horizontal ridges appeared each time. Later on of course.

We already have 82 potential side effects, do not want an 83rd.

Sorry. You're quite right of course.

Ms JH

No apology needed, you have PMR and that is enough to cope with, we all make errors in typing and thinking its part of the journey.

I really just did not want another one to keep an eye out for.

LOL