Vertical lines on three toenails, one nail with a chip. Just dryness?
38M. The earliest I remember having this issue was as a teenager. No pain, discomfort, or trauma to them. I went to my derm last October, and he took once look and said "oh, they're just dry", prescribed me a bottle of ammonium lactate lotion, instructed me to apply twice daily, and in about six months or so, I should start to see them look, well, not like this anymore. I'm almost ten months into this treatment and the lotion somewhat works in between applications, but these lines do eventually come right back.
Was my derm's diagnosis correct? Is it just dryness? Am I to apply this lotion to them twice a day for the rest of my life? Or is there something else going on? Is there a more permanent solution?
Additionally, my right big toenail has had this chip on the edge of the top layer for years too. As the nail grows, the chip keep growing down towards the cuticle, so I can never get to a point where I can clip it off.
Any help or insight? These are unsightly to me , I'm self-conscious about them, and want to be rid of it forever if it's possible. I just want healthy nails and to be able to confidently walk in public barefoot or in sandals!
Let me know if you would like more info.
Thanks in advance.