Aging changes in hair and nails

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Aged hair follicle

Aging changes in nails

Hair follicle of young person

Men may find the hair of their eyebrows, ears, and nose becoming longer and coarser.

NAIL CHANGES

The nails also change with aging. They grow slower and may become dull and brittle. They may become yellowed and opaque.

Nails, especially toenails, may become hard and thick. Ingrown toenails may be more common. The tips of the fingernails may fragment.

Sometimes, lengthwise 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 deficiencies, trauma, and other problems.

Check with your health care provider if your nails develop pits, ridges, lines, changed shape, or other changes. These can be related to iron deficiency, kidney disease, and nutritional deficiencies.

RELATED TOPICS

• Aging changes in the skin
• Aging changes in the face
• Nail abnormalities

Review Date: 11/07/2006
Reviewed By: Sandra W. Cohen, M.D. Private Practice specializing in geriatrics, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.