Question
The eight-year-old child’s thumbs on both hands have started to show roughness with horizontal stripes and deeper longitudinal grooves on the fingernails one year ago. The nail root is not firmly attached to the flesh, while the other nails are normal. The child has had a normal trace element test. Please inquire about the cause and treatment method.
Answer
This condition may be due to malnutrition and deficiencies in protein and calcium, as well as possible mineral deficiencies. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately for a check-up and consider whether it is caused by skin diseases, or if fungal infection is a possibility. It is suggested to consume more iron-rich and red foods for opsonize, which is not a major issue, and you can also use ketoconazole ointment for treatment, applying it twice a day on the affected area.