Nail Ridges

Did you look at your nails this morning and see ridges on them? Although they are fairly common, healthy nails are smooth and without any ridges or grooves. Healthy nails are also uniform in color and consistency. They do not have any spots or discoloration on them. Nail ridges certainly do mar the beauty of the hands.

What Causes Ridges on Nails?

Nails and hair are said to be excellent barometers of health. Healthy fingernails will indicate good health and unhealthy fingernails are an indication of poor health. If you notice ridges on your nails, you should closely examine them. You will have to distinguish between horizontal and vertical ridges.

Vertical Nail Ridges
If you notice you have vertical ridges on your fingernails, then you need not worry. There are people who have vertical ridges which run from the cuticle of the nail towards the tip. This is a harmless condition. With aging, these ridges become more prominent.

Horizontal Nail Ridges
Horizontal ridges are those ridges which run from one side of the nail across to the other side. Horizontal ridges can be an indicator of an underlying illness or medical condition. However,it may not always be the case. A particular type of nail ridge is an indicator of an underlying illness called Beau's lines. The causes of these ridges are injury to the nail bed, malnutrition, metabolic disorders, certain medications, etc. In some cases, if the nail growth was interrupted due to slight trauma to the nail matrix or some nutritional changes, it can give rise to these ridges and brief interruption in nail growth. Although they are not a cause for worry, you may still want to consult your doctor for the same.

Ridges along nails can also be caused due to hypothyroidism as hypothyroidism is known to slow down bodily functions including metabolism. Due to this, the body creates less heat and the person sweats less and as a result, the nails do not get sufficient amounts of moisture.

Treatment of Fingernail Ridges

Here are some of the measures which you would like to implement to treat those ridges on your fingernails.

• If the chores you perform daily require your hands to be in water for an extended period, it is advisable to wear hand gloves to protect your hands and nails. Protecting the nails will ensure that you prevent damage caused to them. Exposing nails to water for a longer time is not recommended, especially, when you are dealing with damaged nails.
• If your nails have horizontal ridges, you will have to wait till the nails grow out before you can cut them as desired. When you are waiting for the nails to wear out, make sure you use a base coat to strengthen the base of the nails. This will prevent the nails from chipping and breaking.
• Buffing the nails with emery board can help in reducing these ridges. However, you will have to buff the nails only in one direction and not back and forth.
• If you notice your nails are chipping or breaking, do not break them. You should cut them in a proper shape.
• Using a moisturizing cream on your hands and nails before you go to bed is important. You may choose to wear gloves on your hands after applying a moisturizing lotion.
• Soaking nails in lemon juice about once a week for 10 minutes will also help in treating the problem.
• You will have to make sure you do not use too many nail products and treatments, as it can cause the nails to become brittle and weak.
• Along with the other measures, you will have to take care of your diet as well. Your diet must be rich in fresh fruits and vegetables which are high in water content. You will also have to increase the consumption of iron, zinc and Vitamin B.

If you notice nail ridges, make the required differentiation if they are vertical or horizontal ridges. If they are horizontal ridges and there are other problems along with it, you may want to visit your healthcare professional for the same. A parting tip as I conclude - the best way to improve the texture and fingernail health is to take care of what you eat.