Ridges in Fingernails

Ridges in fingernails  are treated depending on the origin of their cause. There are two types of ridges, vertical and horizontal.  

Vertical ridges are usually nothing to worry about, and are a general sign of aging and progress as one gets older. Generally there is nothing you can do about this type, however keeping the nails moisturized with hand lotions, or oils.  Moisturizing from the inside out with the essential fatty acid of Omega-3 which can be found in flax meal, fish oil,  salmon and walnuts is a good choice. Filing and buffing the nails may also help with the nails appearance.

Horizontal ridges are the type that cause alarm. However they can occur for a multitude of reasons such as underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, medications, and nutritional issues. In the case of an underlying medical condition, once the condition has been identified, proper medication can be given, and the ridges should begin to fade away.  Medications once stopped will reduce the nail ridges as well.  In cases where nutritional problems are the cause , it can be remedied by eating a nutritious diet that includes foods from all food groups.  The nails need certain nutrients and minerals such as calcium,vitamin C, b-complex, protein,zinc, vitamin E to properly grow and be strong.

Repeated trauma to the nail bed such as through sports, slamming the finger in the door or any other type of injury to the nail can cause ridges as well. This is part of the healing process. When the nail starts to heal, the ridges will dissipate.  Soaking the finger in warm water with Epsom salts will help aid healing, along with doctor directed care of the trauma. Foods rich in minerals and nutrients for nail health also promote and encourage healing.  Preventing the nail from further injury by using a splint,  bandaging, and using caution also helps.

Once a diagnosis is made, and the doctor gives you the okay, there are some other ways you can remove the ridges. One is by buffing the nails. Buffing the nails helps smooth and even out their appearance. Nail buffers can be found at beauty supply shops and drug stores. Getting a manicure can help as well.  Your manicure tech will know some ways to remove the ridges, and will moisturize the nail bed and cuticles. Lastly, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, as this will help keep the nails in better condition .

Ridges in fingernails especially if they appear suddenly should always be properly diagnosed by a physician

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Ridges in fingernails can be caused by several different things from aging to nutritional deficiencies, as well as serious disorders such as an underlying disease.  The direction of the ridges play the most important part in deciphering if you need to seek immediate medical attention or not. Either way it is good to get the ridges checked out by a physician or health care provider.

If one realizes that they have horizontal ridges in their fingernails it is best to get them checked out by their physician as there can be many reasons that need medical attention. One serious medical condition that causes ridges is a disease called Beau’s lines. Beau’s lines is characterized by deep dark tinged ridges in the nails. They are usually a result of stunted nail growth due to a metabolic disease in the body such as diabetes. Another cause for ridges, albeit rare is arsenic poisoning. Arsenic poisoning can make white ridges in the nail bed. Infections of the nails also cause nail ridges such as in the case of herpetic whitlow.  This condition can cause reddish tinged ridges.  A more common cause of horizontal nail is nutritional deficiencies.  When one is lacking certain vitamins and minerals that are essential to nail growth such as vitamin C, B complex, biotin or other minerals, it causes the nails to have issues such as stunted growth, ridges, splits and other nail maladies. Injuries to the nail especially repeated injury can cause issues as well. Repeated injury is more common in people who use their hands a lot such as athletes and carpenters. Certain prescriptions can also cause nail problems as well such as antibiotics. Medications can alter nail growth and sometimes ridges are a result of such. Since there are so many conditions that can cause horizontal ridges, it is advised to see a physician to find out the reason.

Vertical ridges on the other hand are not a cause for alarm. They are usually a normal result of the aging process, and become more prominent as one gets older. The cellular change underneath the nail bed causes them to form, and do not need to be medically checked out.

If you have just recently developed fingernail ridges regardless of direction, you still should take a visit to your health care provider to rule out any medical issue that may warrant immediate attention.

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Ridges in fingernails can signify several things about a person’s health. It can be a simple deficiency of certain minerals or vitamins, or perhaps a more complicated condition. Many factors can cause the formation of ridges in fingernails. Vertical ridges are the most common kind of fingernail ridges. Horizontal ridges however, can be a sign of an underlying disease that can be serious or life threatening so seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complication.

There are several types of ridges in fingernails. One of which is the Muehrcke’s Line. This is also known as the leukonychia striata which can be described as white lines that extend across the nail. These lines lie parallel to the half moon figure in the nail called lunula. Unlike Beau’s lines, these are not grooves.  They are embedded on the nail base below the nail plate, thus, they do not move as the nail grows. One unique assessment of Muehrcke’s Lines is that they disappear when pressure is placed over the affected nail. This condition is often associated with altered protein synthesis in the body which is common to individuals experiencing metabolic stress.

Another type is Terry’s nails which is a condition of the fingernails wherein they appear white in color associated with a ground glass appearance with no lunula. This condition is linked to a low vascularity and excessive growth of connective tissues within the nail bed. Some related diseases include liver failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, congestive heart failure, and malnutrition. Most individuals who suffer from liver diseases such as cirrhosis or kidney problems have Terry’s nails.

Mees’ lines or also known as Aldrich-Mees’ lines are described as discoloration of the fingernails. They usually manifest after an arsenic or thallium poisoning. Individuals with renal failure may also have Mees’ lines. These lines appear as white bands crossing the width of the nail.  As the nail grows, the white bands move towards the end, and then eventually disappear when the naits are cut or trimmed.

The last type of fingernail ridges is the Beau’s line. These are deep furrowed lines that extend across the fingernail. They are described as indentations or ridges in the nail plate. Beau’s lines are related to aging and are usually harmless. In this condition, there is a temporary termination of cell division in the nail matrix apparently caused by an infection or an injury within the area. This type of ridges in fingernails is less serious than the other ones since it is a naturally occurring condition linked to the aging process.

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Vertical ridges in fingernails can be a pain in the butt because of their appearance. However, vertical ridges in fingernails are not of much concern. Vertical ridges in fingernails can be caused by several small issues such as aging, drying effects of harsh household cleaners, and nutritional needs.

Vertical ridges in fingernails happen in the process of aging, because as one get’s older, due to hormonal changes, there is not as much moisture in the nails. This causes them to get vertical ridges, but is not a cause of great concern. It is important to keep the body hydrated, as well as keeping the nails thoroughly moisturized, to provide extra moisture to the dehydrated nails. Harsh household cleaners can also cause vertical ridges in fingernails due, again, to the dehydrating effect. Repeatedly putting hands in water that contains cleaning materials such as detergents, ammonia, and bleach amongst other things, is sure to cause issues with the nails. It is important, for the healthy appearance of nails, to protect your nails from harsh chemicals used when cleaning. You can protect your nails by wearing gloves when cleaning. Gloves will protect the hands buy providing a barrier between your nails and the water and chemicals. Using a moisturizing cuticle cream and rubbing it over the nails and cuticles, will help keep the nails hydrated after cleaning.  Changing to more hand and nail-friendly cleansers may help reduce the risk of ridges in fingernails, as well. Last, but not least, another cause of vertical ridges in fingernails is nutritional needs. Vertical ridges in fingernails as a result of nutritional needs are usually caused by lack of enough zinc, iron, and vitamin B6 in the diet.  It is best to get the nutrients needed in the diet through the intake of whole foods. This makes it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients it needs, as opposed to taking vitamin supplements. Check with your nutritionist and or primary health care provider, as to what whole foods are nutrient-rich in the vitamins and or minerals that you may be lacking in your diet.

If you are concerned about the appearance of vertical ridges in fingernails, know that they are not permanent and they will grow out. Getting a manicure or buffing your fingernails may also diminish the appearance of vertical ridges in fingernails.

As you can see, there are many non-harmful reasons as to why you may have vertical ridges in your fingernails. So, do not be alarmed as vertical ridges in fingernails are a pesky, but common, nail condition.

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