Finger nails

At the age of 12 my fingers began to grow "differently" - first there were lines then there were bumps, and the colour changed to a whiter shade. I have seen a few doctors over the years, but none of them can pinpoint the exact cause or problem. Some said I was lacking some kind of nutrient or something, and some said it was already in my system since birth but just waiting for it to show. My finger nails and toe nails all looked demented - bumpy..discoloured..sometimes flakey and very fragile. Does anyone know what is wrong????

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There are many possible causes for such types of nails and they have to be explored thoroughly. It may be due to onychogyrposis which is hereditary, onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nail, psoriasis or onychausis(over-thickening of the nail plate and may be the result of internal disorders).

For confirming the diagnosis, you need to send a biopsy sample of the nails scrapings for examination.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Warm regards.