Causes of Fingernail Ridges

Fingernail ridges may signify disorders of the circulatory system or respiratory system. It may also be an indication of iron-deficiency anemia or thyroid problems. Fingernail ridges are of two kinds; vertical and horizontal. Vertical ones do not raise much concerns in most cases, however, the horizontal ones do. So it is important to see the difference between the two, in order to diagnose what is causing them.

Ridges which extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail are known as vertical nail ridges and usually, as mentioned, they are not the source of any health concern. The horizontal ones have an altogether different appearance. They run from one side of the nail across the other side lengthwise, and they can be quite ugly. These ridges are associated with a severe illness known as Beau's lines, wherein the ridges are deeply grooved and slightly dark in appearance

What Causes Ridges in Fingernails?

In most cases, malnutrition and malabsorption are the offenders. When there is something amiss in the body's production of the keratin material which forms the building blocks of nails, ridges may start forming on nails. This occurs due to the B vitamin deficiencies.

Inadequate amount of moisture in the body also contributes to the occurrence of such problems in nails. The oils in the body which play a vital role in maintaining better fingernail health, get depleted with age and many other health factors. So a dearth in the body oils also adds to the development of the same.

Other common causes include trauma caused to the nail matrix or injury to the nail bed, and diseases including diabetes, circulatory or respiratory problems and exposure to toxins such as arsenic. Certain medications could also be held as culprits, besides autoimmune diseases and skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Treatment Options

Treatment lies in dealing with what is causing or has caused the condition. As mentioned, malnutrition and malabsorption are the primary causes. So inculcating a well-balanced diet, with all the required vitamins, proteins, calcium and minerals can ensure a healthy growth of the nails and a good overall health. Take care that your diet consists of vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin B12, along with other nutritive sources of food. Gelatin is also known to do wonders in making the fingernails healthy and strong.

In order to make up for the lack of moisture in the body, drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated. You can also apply hydrating solution for keeping your nails moist and strong. Before going to bed, massage your nails with lotions which contain jojoba and vitamin E, and cover them with gloves. This will keep the oils from drying up soon and help the nails to retain their moisture. Taking care of your skin helps to prevent skin disorders which are also known to be among the indirect causes of fingernail ridges.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Fingernails

• Do not use your nails as tools to pull out, poke or pick objects.
• The nail bed is one area that stays vulnerable to develop bacterial infection, if it suffers even a minor cut. So, better it is to avoid nail biting or bothering the cuticle.
• Pathogens such as bacteria or fungi multiply where there is moisture and warmth. So keeping the nails moist most of the time can lead to infections. Keep them dry and clean, and if your work includes washing for prolong periods, then consider wearing rubber gloves.
• Keep your nails trimmed and file them regularly.
• Hangnails are a common problem. Most people simply pull them off, and later they have to deal with pain or some kind of infection. Using a clipper is a better idea.

Healthy fingernails are indicators of good health and that's why they have been attributed to be the perfect barometer for overall health. Being aware of the common and uncommon causes of this condition will help you to diagnose any kind of abnormal changes in them. These changes must not be overlooked but should be immediately addressed to, as there are several disorders in the body, which reveal or manifest themselves through fingernails.