Fingernail Ridges: Causes of Ridges in Fingernails

Fingernail ridges meaning in medical science indicates any abnormal changes in the appearance of the fingernails. Ridges in the fingernails could mean disorders of the circulatory system or respiratory system. It may also be an indication of iron-deficiency anemia symptoms or thyroid problems. Fingernail ridges are of two kinds; vertical and horizontal. Vertical fingernail ridges 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 illnesses (if any).

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 than the vertical fingernail ridges. As the name 'horizontal' suggests, 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 fingernail ridges are deeply grooved and slightly dark in appearance. Fingernail ridges causes are many and some of them have been described below.

Ridges in Fingernails - Causes
It is known to many that one of the most potential fingernail ridges cause has its source in malnutrition and malabsorption. When there is something amiss in the body's production of the keratin material which forms the building blocks of nails, the most prominent symptoms are fingernail ridges. This occurs due to the B vitamin deficiencies. Inadequate amount of moisture in the body also contributes to the formation of ridges in fingernails. 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 causes of ridges in fingernails and many other fingernail disorders.

Other common causes of ridges in fingernails include trauma caused to the nail matrix or injury to the nail bed, diseases involving diabetes, circulatory or respiratory problems and exposure to toxins such as arsenic. Certain medications are also among the causes of fingernail ridges, apart from autoimmune diseases and skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Ridges in Fingernails - Remedy
Treatment of fingernail ridges lies in the prevention of the onset of their causes. As mentioned, malnutrition and malabsorption are the primary causes of ridges on fingernails. 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. It also benefits the health of your hair.

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 moisturized 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 among the fingernail ridges causes and thus adds to the health of your nails.

You can read more on:

• Nail care
• Fingernail problems

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 fingernail ridges causes 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.