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what do the half-moons at the lower part of my thumbnails mean?
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Hi,
April 5, 2016 - 4:12amNot sure if this chat on nails is still open.
I woke up this morning and noticed for the first time that the moons on both thumbnails are almost a third of the size of the nails.
I do also have a big ridge and dip on one of them.
I have been medically treated for 30 years with under active thyroid.
Does this seem odd?
Thanks in anticipation
Lynn
This Comment
Hi Lynn,
Generally, brittle nails is a sign of an underactive thyroid gland.
Enlarged moons can indicate an over active thyroid, but can also be genetic.
Horizontal ridges in the nail can indicate a fungal infection or malnutrition, which can include iron or zinc insufficiency.
Vertical ridges are very common, and are caused most commonly by ageing and dehydration.
For peace of mind, consider giving your primary care physician's office a call.
Please keep us updated,
April 5, 2016 - 9:11amMaryann
This Comment
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you so much for finding us here at EmpowHer and for posting your question to us. I honestly thought that everyone has those moons on the bottom portions of our thumbnails. Alysiak gave you some great information and even the name of the moon shapes. I have smaller moons on some of my other fingernails as well.
I was always told that they are perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about, unless like Alysiak said they start to change color in some way.
Have your thumbnail moons changed in any way recently, either in color or appearance (like ridges or indentations or something)? If we can help you in any other way please let us know. Best in health, Michelle
May 29, 2009 - 11:29pmThis Comment
I just noticed that the half moons on both of my thumb nails are shaped oddly, not rounded like usual, with a spike on the side closest to my pointer fingers. I have never seen them any other shape besides a symmetrical half moon. Could this be an indication of some illness?
August 10, 2012 - 12:54pmThis Comment
What you're referring to is the half moon shape, known as lunula, part of the normal anatomy of the fingernail. On most people, it's white. Any discoloration or surface anomaly might indicate some sort of illness or injury to the nail.
Are you concerned about the appearance of your nails?
May 29, 2009 - 7:22pmThis Comment