Vertical Fingernail Ridges

Vertical fingernail ridges are a common fingernail disorder. Nails are known to be one of the the best barometers of a good health condition. This is the reason, many a times your doctor checks your nail to identify if there is any health problem like circulatory problem, respiratory disorder, anemia or thyroid disease. But mind you, if you realize that there are vertical ridges on your fingernails, you need not worry because they are quite harmless. You need to properly distinguish between vertical fingernail ridges and horizontal fingernail ridges, because horizontal ones may be an indication of underlying illness or medical condition. Of course, they are a big problem for the ones who love to have beautiful and flawless hands. Even though they are not limited to the elderly, they are characteristic of aging. So, what exactly are the vertical fingernail ridges, how do they look like and what is the cause of fingernail ridges? Here are the answers.

What are Vertical Fingernail Ridges and Its Causes?
You may have the proper nail color, no brittleness, no layers, good length, good shape of the tips, good condition of the cuticle, but...you can see a 'rail and groove' effect over your nail which starts from your nail base till the nail tip. This is not just on the present nail bed, but the nail plate keeps growing forwards in the similar pattern. These are the vertical fingernail ridges, one of the common fingernail problems and are indicative of fingernail health.

As we grow older, the levels of natural oil and moisture goes on declining in our nail plates and this effect becomes apparent. So these ridges generally become prominent with growing age and are usually not an indication of unhealthy or any serious medical condition. These are also known to be a hereditary problem.

Vertical fingernail ridges may also arise if your nails are too dry. If any chemical comes in contact with your nails, they are completely at risk of becoming dry. Like while household cleaning, utensil washing or car washing, etc. your nail may easily come in contact with the chemicals which further damage them.

Vertical Fingernail Ridge Care
If you have those annoying vertical ridges on fingernail and want to get rid of them as soon as possible, just follow the tips given below. Have patience while you inculcate these healthy habits for healthy nails in your routine.

Go for healthy foods. A balanced diet that provides with vitamins, proteins, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats derived from nuts and fish is best for you. Avoid any junk, oily and unhealthy food. If you ever feel like having it just go to your kitchen and prepare it; that makes a lot of difference. It is anytime better than consuming it on the roadside stall. Drink a lot of water as always suggested by doctors and beauty experts. You can add some fresh lemon juice to it sometimes.

Use gloves while doing the work where your hands are going to come in contact with any chemicals. Keep your nails very clean, especially if you have long nails wash them thoroughly each time you wash your hands to keep away any nail fungus. Keep the cuticles and nails moisturized using a hand lotion. You can use the oils containing vitamin E or jojoba regularly for the ridges. You can use a buffer to reduce the effect of fingernail ridges, but be slow; don't do any fast and hasty movements. Remember, your nail plate is already damaged, you just want to make it look better.

All these nail care tips will not show immediate results, so continue to follow them daily. You can surely experience the decrease in vertical fingernail ridges as time passes, with this routine. If you observe any change in color of your fingernails or horizontal ridges, check with your doctor. These may indicate some underlying health problem. I guess with this in mind, you might start scrutinizing your nails more often, that's good!