Recently, I was assisting a fellow professional with a particularly difficult case of long-standing onycholysis (nail detachment). This client also has a history of systemic disease, latex, and other skin allergies, and despite trying various treatments, applications, and products, we are unable to determine the root cause. Through persistent research, one problem has come to light: serious thyroid disease. This discovery sent me down a rabbit hole of medical journals and publications to understand the relationship between thyroid health and its effects on nails and skin. It is my habit to constantly research to find answers, and this time was no exception.
What I discovered was very interesting and deeply relevant to nail professionals. Often overlooked in our industry, the thyroid can have serious effects on your nails and skin, and exhibits signs that can be ignored or misdiagnosed. Let me highlight what I discovered.
Role of the thyroid
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck. Despite its size, it is a powerhouse of activity and produces hormones that regulate nearly every aspect of metabolism. These hormones affect everything from cell growth and repair to energy production, heart rate, digestion, brain function, and more. In other words, the thyroid is a “master regulator” that maintains the body’s balance.
When the thyroid is malfunctioning, imbalances in these hormones can cause a wide range of problems, including visible changes in the nails and skin. These changes often serve as early warning signs of more serious systemic problems.
Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism: Key Differences
Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)
- produced by the thyroid gland excessively Promotes hormones and metabolism.
- Symptoms: Rapid weight loss, anxiety, restlessness, heat intolerance, muscle weakness, and thinning of the skin and hair.
- Effect on nails: Onycholysis (plummer’s nail) is common. This is a condition in which the nail separates from the nail bed and is commonly seen on the middle and ring fingers. Nails may also appear thin and brittle. (Plummer’s nail refers only to nail peeling caused by thyroid disease.)
- Effects on skin: You’ll be sweaty and warm, and your skin will be thin and tear easily.
Hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism)
- produced by the thyroid gland too little Hormones slow down your metabolism.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, cold tolerance, depression, dry skin, swelling.
- Effect on nails: Nails that are brittle and slow to grow. vertical ridge. Thickened nail plate. In severe cases, spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia) develop.
- Effects on skin: Dry, flaky, rough skin; yellowish tinge and delayed wound healing.
Thyroid disease and nail health
The effects of thyroid dysfunction on nails are often overlooked or misrecognized. Common nail changes to look out for include:
- Onycholysis (peeling of the nails):
This condition, often associated with hyperthyroidism, involves detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed. Onycholysis can also be caused by trauma, allergies, or infection, but thyroid dysfunction is an important consideration that is often overlooked. - Slow and brittle nail growth:
Hypothyroidism slows down metabolic processes, slows nail growth, and makes them brittle and easy to peel off. - Thickened nails:
In some cases of hypothyroidism, dead skin buildup can cause nails to become thick and have a rough or irregular texture. - Vertical ridge:
Noticeable bumps on the nail plate may be due to decreased keratin production associated with hypothyroidism. - Dry and cracked:
Thyroid disease often worsens the condition of the skin and nails, causing them to crack and fissure, making them more susceptible to secondary infections.
Overall picture: dryness, thickening, bumps, onycholysis
One of the most common correlations that I have observed over the years is a combination of nail dryness, thickening, and nail ridges leading to onycholysis. Onycholysis is often quickly attributed to an allergic reaction, leading to incorrect advice and missed referrals. Allergies can cause nail peeling, but it is just one of many possible causes. By focusing too much on allergies as the sole explanation, you risk overlooking serious underlying health conditions such as thyroid dysfunction.
For example, a client with raised, brittle nails and onycholysis may be dealing with hypothyroidism rather than an irritant. These signs require a more comprehensive evaluation and, if necessary, a referral to a medical professional.
What can nail professionals do?
As nail professionals, our role is not to diagnose medical conditions, but we are often the first to notice changes in our clients’ nails or skin. Here’s how we can support them:
- Recognize the signs:
Learn about the visible effects of thyroid dysfunction on your nails and skin. Note patterns such as slow growth, thickened nails, and persistent onycholysis.
- Avoid jumping to conclusions.
Do not immediately blame nail peeling on allergies or external factors. Consider the big picture, including systemic health issues.
- Customize your treatment:
Provides a gentle conditioning treatment to combat dryness and brittleness. Avoid aggressive or unnecessary sanding or buffing as this can quickly worsen the problem.
- We encourage consultation with experts.
If you suspect an underlying thyroid problem or systemic disease, suggest that the client consult their primary care physician.
always look below the surface
Thyroid disease is more common than many of us realize, especially among women over 40 or those experiencing hormonal changes. However, visible signs on the nails and skin are often unnoticed or misperceived. As professionals, we have a unique opportunity to recognize these signs early and guide our clients to appropriate advice.
The case mentioned at the beginning of this blog is a perfect example of this. By digging deeper into the possible causes of a client’s onycholysis, we highlight the expertise and professionalism of our nail professionals not only to our competitors, but also to our existing and prospective clients. Of course, we have discovered possible answers to our journey that allow us to better assist our clients with all our services. . This experience emphasized the importance of being curious, informed, and keeping an open mind when dealing with nail and skin abnormalities.
So the next time you see a client with persistent onycholysis, brittle nails, or dry, flaky skin, remember that it may be more than meets the eye . At times like these, your expertise and guidance can make a big difference.
Learn more about onycholysis and its causes.
