The nails change with aging, growing more slowly, and becoming dull
and brittle. The color may change from translucent to yellowed and
opaque. Nails, especially toenails, may become hard and thick and
ingrown toenails may be more common. The tips of the fingernails
may fragment. Sometimes, lengthwise (longitudinal) ridges will
develop in the fingernails and toenails. This can be a normal aging
change. However, some nail changes can be caused by infections,
nutritional problems, trauma, and other problems.
Review Date: 12/13/2010
Reviewed By: Michael Langan, M.D. Department of Geriatrics, Massachusetts
General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
