How to Get Rid of Fingernail Ridges

Nails are actually layers of tough keratin and are considered as an appendage of skin, same as the case of hair. A healthy nail is that which is smooth with no discoloration, ridges, grooves, spots, etc. But, humans tend to develop such signs, due to various reasons. Fingernail ridges are among some of the commonly found nail problems in humans. Such ridges (tiny raised lines) can be vertical or horizontal. While vertical ones that run from the base of the nail to the tip, is mostly found as a part of aging, horizontal ones are often associated with certain medical conditions. Even vertical fingernail ridges may sometimes indicate poor health, especially, if it is accompanied by discoloration. Horizontal ridges that are deep and discolored may be due to respiratory diseases and heart problems. If you want to do away with this problem, here are some tips.

What Causes Fingernail Ridges

So, fingernail ridges can be vertical or horizontal. Vertical ones are said to be natural in most cases, but, horizontal ones can be an indication of health problems. Fingernail ridges may develop due to various reasons like nutritional deficiency, lack of moisture, improper nail care and heredity. In fact, the vertical ridges that develop on the nails are actually part of the nail structure. As the nail plate grows, it has to slide on the nail bed, so as to accommodate newer cells. With age, the oil and moisture levels of the nail plate deplete, thereby showing the grooves. This explains the occurrence of vertical ridges on the nails, as a part of the aging process. Skin diseases like psoriasis can also cause fingernail ridges.

Dark and deep horizontal ridges are referred to as Beau's lines, that can be caused by malnutrition (especially, iron and zinc deficiency), injury to nail, use of certain drugs, chemotherapy, etc. In case of horizontal fingernail ridges, it is always better to seek the opinion of the doctor, so as to rule out the possibility of any underlying disease. But, this does not mean that in all cases, horizontal nail ridges are caused by some medical condition. It will be better to seek the opinion of your doctor, if you have deep and discolored vertical fingernail ridges. While some of the vertical ridges are temporary, others are permanent. Temporary ones may disappear within four to six months. Fingernail ridges are mainly viewed as a cosmetic concern than a health problem. So, let us take a look at how to treat fingernail ridges.

How to Cure Fingernail Ridges

As mentioned above, fingernail ridges can be either a normal part of aging or due to some other health problems, some of which could be serious. So, it is always better to check the condition so as to rule out the possibility of underlying diseases. If there is any such cause, then, treating that cause will be enough to cure fingernails ridges. Otherwise, you may resort to any home remedies for fingernail ridges.

• Buff the nails lightly and properly, as this can help you in getting rid of fingernail ridges. If your nails are thin, then exercise caution while buffing, so as to avoid damage to the nail plate.
• You may use a ridge filler to make the nails smooth. This can be followed by nail polish application. This method is also helpful for hiding fingernail ridges effectively.
• If you want to get rid of fingernails, start drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water a day. This is because dehydration and lack of moisture are among the possible causes for such nail ridges.
• You must go for a balanced diet with lots of veggies. You may also take vitamin supplements, if needed. But, make sure to take supplements, as per the advice of your doctor.
• Some people use olive oil as a remedy for fingernail ridges. Dipping the fingernails in olive oil on a daily basis is said to be beneficial for making these structures strong.

It is always better to prevent this condition by proper nail care. Even a balanced diet and sufficient intake of water may prove useful in preventing the nails from developing ridges. Once they appear, consult your doctor to find out whether there is any underlying cause. If yes, treat it promptly. Otherwise, resort to the above said remedies for getting rid of fingernail ridges.