What is a major cause of a plicatured nail?

A plicatured nail, characterized by an abnormal curve or fold in the nail plate, typically arises from injury or trauma to the nail matrix. The matrix is the tissue located under the base of the nail, responsible for nail growth. When the matrix is injured, it can disrupt the normal formation of the nail, leading to the distinctive shape seen in plicatured nails. This is because the injury can affect the growth pattern, causing the nail to grow with a pronounced bend or fold rather than in a flat, even manner.

Genetic predisposition, improper nail care, and environmental factors may influence nail health in various ways, but they do not specifically cause the structural deformity associated with a plicatured nail. Thus, while these factors can impact nail appearance and health more broadly, they are not the primary reasons for the formation of a plicatured nail.