How to Stop Nails from Curling Under: Causes and Treatments (2025)

Causes and Solutions for Curling Nails

Nails that curl under at the tips or along the edges can be annoying and even painful. This common nail condition has several possible causes and luckily, various ways to prevent and treat it.

What Causes Nails to Curl Under?

Here are some of the most common reasons nails can start to curl under:

• Frequent wetness or moisture exposure - This could be from dishes, laundry, swimming, etc.
• Nail trauma - Hard impacts or tight shoes putting pressure on nails.
• Fungal infections - Fungi like chronic paronychia can distort nail shape.
• Poor nutrition - Deficiencies in iron, calcium, biotin, etc. can weaken nails.
• Dehydration - Not drinking enough water leads to brittle nails.
• Harsh products - Acetone, cleaning solutions, etc. can dry out nails.
• Aging - Nails tend to become more brittle and distorted with age.
• Medical conditions - Issues like anemia, hypothyroidism, eczema, psoriasis, etc.

Tips to Help Stop Nails from Curling

If your nails are starting to curl under at the edges, try these useful tips:

Keep Nails Short

Trim nails regularly to avoid excessive length putting pressure on the nail beds and edges. Use sharp clippers or nail scissors and cut nails straight across.

File Them

Gently filing nails with a crystal nail file or buffer can help thin down thickened nails to reduce curling. Avoid using metal nail files.

Hydrate Hands and Nails

Massage coconut, olive, or jojoba oil daily into the nail beds and surrounding skin. Wear gloves for wet work. Drink plenty of water.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Limit use of acrylic nails, nail polish remover, cleaning solutions, etc. which can dry and damage nail beds. Avoid prolonged water exposure.

Wear Properly Fitting Shoes

Shoes that press on toes or are too tight can put extra pressure on nails leading to curling and deformities.

Treat Underlying Conditions

See a doctor to address any medical issues or nutritional deficiencies that could be weakening nails.

Take Supportive Supplements

Biotin, vitamin E, omega-3s, calcium, and zinc can help strengthen brittle curling nails.

Use a Press-on Nail Guard

Applying an adhesive nail cap or guard can hold curling edges in place while nails grow out.

Try a Urea Cream

Rubbing a urea-based cream into nails helps soften and flatten, reducing curling.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if nail curling:

• Is severe or worsening
• Involves nail discoloration or thickening
• Causes pain or discomfort
• Is present along with other nail or skin changes
• Doesn't improve with home care after a few months

This can signal an underlying medical condition may need treatment.

Medical Causes of Curling Nails

In some cases, severely curling, distorted nails may result from an underlying health condition. Some possible medical causes include:

Fungal Nail Infections

Toenail fungus or chronic paronychia can cause inflammation, thickening, and curling of nail beds.

Psoriasis

The skin condition psoriasis often accompanies nail psoriasis, leading to irregular, distorted nails.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid slows nail growth, resulting in brittle, curling nails.

Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can starve nails of oxygen and nutrients, impairing nail bed health.

Eczema

Chronic hand eczema causes inflammation, redness, and thinning of the nails.

Lupus

Symptoms of lupus, an autoimmune disease, include redness, curling, and fragility of fingernails.

Chemotherapy

Cancer treatments like chemotherapy often produce side effects like nail brittleness, thickening, and distortion.

Raynaud's Disease

Poor circulation from Raynaud's can decrease blood flow to the fingers and toes, resulting in warped, curled nails.

Aging

As part of the natural aging process, nail beds lose moisture and elasticity, causing nails to become rigid and distorted in shape.

When to See a Doctor for Curling Nails

Consult your physician if you experience:

• Very painful, inflamed nails
• Nail changes along with swollen joints
• Discolored nails accompanied by skin lesions
• Ridges, spots, or streaks on nails
• Curling that starts abruptly or seems severe
• Other worrisome symptoms like chronic fatigue, unintended weight loss, etc.

Severe nail curling or distortion could potentially indicate:

• Autoimmune disorders like psoriasis, lupus, eczema
• Fungal nail infection
• Melanoma of the nail bed
• Infections like paronychia
• Reactive arthritis
• Poor circulation or nerve damage
• Side effects of medication

Booking an appointment allows your doctor to assess your symptoms, order any necessary tests, and determine if an underlying condition requires treatment.

Diagnosing Curling Nails

To diagnose the cause of warped curling nails, your doctor may:

• Ask about your symptoms and medical history
• Examine the appearance of your nails and surrounding skin
• Order blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues, etc.
• Perform a biopsy on nail clippings to detect fungi or other pathogens
• Use imaging tests to analyze nail bed health

Medical Treatments for Curling Nails

If an underlying health condition is contributing to severe nail curling and deformation, possible medical treatments can include:

Medications

Oral antifungals, topical creams, antibiotics, steroid injections, biologics, etc. depending on the condition.

Phototherapy

Light treatments like UVB or PUVA for psoriasis.

Surgery

Partial or complete nail removal in severe fungal or inflammatory cases.

Supplements

Iron, biotin, calcium, omega-3s, or other supplements to correct nutritional deficiencies.

Lifestyle Changes

Adjusting activities or footwear to reduce nail trauma. Managing stress and anxiety that worsens symptoms.

Home Care for Curling Nails

In milder cases, properly caring for nails at home can help reverse curling. Try these tips:

Moisturize Nails

Massage vitamin E, coconut, or olive oil daily into nails and cuticles.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Reduce use of nail polish remover, cleaning agents, etc. Wear gloves for hand washing.

Trim Nails Properly

Cut nails straight across to avoid pressure points. Use sharp clippers or nail scissors.

Take Supplements

Biotin, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and omega-3s promote healthy nail growth.

Eat Nourishing Foods

Consume lean protein, fruits/veggies high in silica, nuts, seeds, whole grains.

Try a Urea Cream

Urea softens and flattens nails. Look for a 40% urea concentration.

Do Warm Oil Soaks

Soak nails in warm olive, sesame, or coconut oil to soften and realign.

Avoid Picking at Nails

Picking can worsen curling. Stop picking and trim hangnails carefully.

Protect Nails

Wear gloves for cleaning and wet work. Trim nails short. Cushion toes when wearing shoes.

When to See a Podiatrist

See a podiatrist promptly if you have:

• Total nail destruction
• Discoloration or streaking
• Detached or raised nail
• Persistent swelling and redness
• Bleeding, oozing, foul odor
• Thickening or crumbling nails
• Discharge or pain in nail folds

A podiatrist can diagnose and treat underlying nail infections, injuries, or other serious conditions.

Preventing Nails from Curling

Once nail curling has resolved, keep nails healthy and flat with these proactive tips:

• Eat a nutritious diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals
• Stay hydrated by drinking adequate water
• Moisturize nails and cuticles daily
• Avoid prolonged wetness and harsh chemicals
• Treat nail fungal infections promptly
• Wear properly fitted shoes
• Trim nails regularly using sharp clippers or scissors
• Avoid picking at nails or cuticles
• Take nutritional supplements to support nail health

Attend to nail care and avoid trauma to keep nails looking and feeling healthy.

FAQs

Why do nails curl under?

Frequent moisture exposure, nail trauma, fungal infections, poor nutrition, dehydration, aging, and certain medical conditions can cause nails to curl under.

How can I fix curling nails at home?

Keep nails short, file them, moisturize nails daily, avoid harsh chemicals, take supplements, use a nail guard, do oil soaks, and treat underlying conditions.

When should I see a doctor for curled nails?

See a doctor if curling is severe, painful, or occurs with other symptoms. It may signal an underlying condition like fungus, psoriasis, or nutrient deficiencies.

What medical conditions cause nails to curl?

Medical causes include fungal infections, psoriasis, hypothyroidism, anemia, eczema, lupus, Raynaud's disease, chemotherapy side effects, and aging.

How can I prevent my nails from curling?

Eat nutritiously, stay hydrated, moisturize nails, avoid prolonged wetness, treat fungal infections promptly, wear proper shoes, trim nails, and take supplements.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.