Concerns About Indentations in Toenails
Hello there, I'm reaching out about my son who is 2 years old and weighs 11 kg. He has a background of eczema and is allergic to several foods like nuts, peanuts, eggs, and legumes, in addition to reacting to foods with high histamine levels. I've noticed that his big toenails have an irregular texture, featuring prominent indents. Their appearance prompted me to do some online research, which hinted that these changes might stem from nutritional deficiencies or possibly eczema affecting the toenails. Interestingly, his skin has improved significantly—so much so that we haven't needed to use steroid creams for several months and rely solely on moisturizing his skin. Should I consider seeking professional advice regarding his toenails? I strive to provide him with a balanced diet that includes whole grains, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, salmon, beef, and a wide range of fruits and vegetables that are suitable for him. Additionally, he takes a multivitamin gummy every day and is still breastfeeding, even though my milk supply is limited. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 6:20:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your son's toenails, especially given his background with eczema and food allergies. Indentations in toenails can occur for various reasons, including nutritional deficiencies or possibly reactions related to his skin condition.
Main Points:
- Indentations in toenails can be linked to nutritional factors, eczema, or other conditions.
- Given his history of allergies and eczema, it’s wise to monitor the situation.
Explanation:
Toenail texture changes like indents can sometimes be associated with deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as biotin, zinc, or protein, which can be influenced by dietary restrictions. Eczema can also impact nail health, although the improvement in his skin is positive. It's good to note that he is eating a balanced diet and taking a multivitamin, which helps provide essential nutrients.
Next Steps:
-
Observe the Toenails: Keep an eye on the indents for any changes over the next few weeks. Note whether they get better, worse, or if new symptoms arise (such as pain or discoloration).
-
Nutritional Assessment: Continue focusing on a varied diet. You might consider consulting a nutritionist, especially given the food allergies, to ensure he’s getting all necessary nutrients. They can help tailor a diet that accommodates his restrictions and ensures he's getting adequate nutrition.
-
Skin and Nail Care: Maintain regular moisturizing for his skin; this might also help his toenails. Avoid any irritants that could exacerbate his eczema.
-
Seeking Professional Advice: If the toenail changes persist, worsen, or if you see other symptoms (like changes in the skin around the nails), it would be wise to seek advice from a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician or dermatologist, to rule out any underlying issues.
Monitoring and maintaining an open line of communication with your healthcare providers will be essential. You're doing a great job managing your son's health, and addressing these concerns proactively is a positive approach. Let me know if you have any additional questions!
Related Questions
Understanding Prolapsed Appendix in Young Adults
Hello all, I’m a 25-year-old woman who has been struggling with persistent abdominal discomfort, along with nausea and diarrhea, for more than a decade. A recent colonoscopy has diagnosed me with a prolapsed appendix, despite the fact that my colon appears unaffected. Biopsy samples were collected to investigate potential inflammation, and I am currently awaiting those results. Additionally, I have a balloon enteroscopy scheduled to examine my small intestine more closely. From my research, it seems that appendiceal prolapse or intussusception is quite uncommon in adults. I am particularly interested in understanding how rare this issue truly is, especially for someone at my age, along with the typical causes that could lead to this condition. I have a few queries: How uncommon is a prolapsed appendix in adult patients? What are the most frequent causes linked to young women like myself? Are there specific risk factors or trends that might increase the likelihood of developing this issue? I’m not seeking a personal assessment, but I would be grateful for any information from those who are familiar with the occurrence and causes of this condition.
Unusual Urges to Consume Non-Food Items
At 23 years old, I am contending with various health issues, including anemia (with an iron saturation of 6%), and I’ve read that this might be influencing my bizarre cravings. There’s more going on with my health, but delving into all of it would take quite a while. Recently, I stumbled upon a video showcasing cleaning techniques, and I experienced an intense and unexpected hunger when I witnessed the soap lathering. Despite having dinner afterward, my cravings persisted, and regular food has proven ineffective at satisfying my appetite. To provide some background, I also have bipolar II disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. These peculiar cravings appeared following several stressful experiences in my life. In the past, I was compelled to induce vomiting due to an OCD ritual, which I believed was linked to avoiding “bad luck.” Logically, I understood that there was no connection, but at one point, I was so entangled in these thoughts that I restricted my food intake entirely, convinced that eating brought misfortune. I was also unmedicated during that challenging period. Fortunately, I managed to break those cycles a few years ago, but now I face an ongoing struggle with overwhelming hunger. I find myself in the obese category today, unlike previously, and I am actively pursuing options for gastric bypass surgery due to my incessant appetite. Although I feel confident I won’t actually consume soap, I am concerned that sharing these cravings might jeopardize my chances of qualifying for the procedure. Still, if there’s a viable solution, I’d like to discover it. These cravings don’t dominate my thoughts, yet whenever I come across soap—either in videos or in person—I get this overwhelming desire to consume it. It’s as if I believe that succumbing to this urge would somehow provide relief and satisfaction. I’ve made a conscious effort to limit my viewing of such cleaning videos but find myself tempted to order edible chalk to see if that might alleviate my unusual hunger.
Did I Experience a Seizure Upon Waking?
This morning, I had an awakening that was unlike anything I’ve felt before. As a 23-year-old man, I’m familiar with sleep paralysis, often waking up immobile; however, today was distinct. I found myself in a state that resembled paralysis but accompanied by rapid, shallow breaths, akin to hyperventilation—something I don’t typically experience, even during strenuous activities. My body was trembling, reminiscent of numbness from cold or perhaps involuntary contractions throughout. Additionally, I felt a strange pressure on my groin, coupled with discomfort in my right testicle, as if they were being retracted into my body. I don’t regularly take medication aside from using an albuterol inhaler during asthma flare-ups. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds, I also had a particularly unsettling dream just prior to waking, which might explain my reaction (at least, I hope it does). However, I can’t shake the anxiety that this could have been a type of seizure and I’m eager for input from those who have more expertise on the subject.
Are My Symptoms Indicating an Impending Stroke?
I’m a young adult female, weighing 99 pounds and standing 5 feet 2 inches tall. I do not smoke, vape, or consume alcohol, and currently, I am undergoing tests for POTS and HEDS. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing intermittent discomfort in the upper region of my head, particularly in the back and temples. These aren’t typical headaches, but rather sudden twinges of pain that occur sporadically throughout the day. Additionally, over this same period, I have been dealing with bouts of vertigo—probably about 4 to 5 days where it came and went. A few days back, I also encountered a tingling sensation in my arms, which I can’t tell if it was simply due to anxiety. Given that my aunt suffered a stroke in her thirties, the prospect of having a stroke terrifies me. I find that the emergency room here primarily prescribes pain medication if you mention head discomfort, which leaves me uncertain about what steps to take next. Could these symptoms signal an impending stroke? Furthermore, I've also been experiencing pain in my left leg, though I’m unsure if that’s connected to my other symptoms.
Identifying Skin Marks on My Child
My 5-year-old daughter, who has no history of allergies, has developed peculiar skin marks over the past four to five days. Each morning, I observe these blemishes, which mysteriously disappear by the next day, only to reappear in different locations. The majority of these spots are located on her lower back, buttocks, and the back of her thighs, although I've also seen some on her upper back and a single one on her cheek. As an additional note, she began exhibiting mild cold symptoms last night, including a cough, some mucus, and a slight increase in body temperature. To provide further context: she mentioned that the marks are somewhat itchy, but she hasn’t been scratching them excessively.