Causes Ridges Fingernails

Changes in the nail structure may be early signs of health problems. So it’s important to examine periodically your nails. But what causes ridge fingernails?

Vertical raised lines on the nails length can appear especially on older persons hands. As years pass by, they become more prominent. The problem can be solved with an emery board or a fine nail file, to smoothen the surface of the nail. But if they are also associated with some color changes, that could indicate health disorders. Sometimes, vertical ridges indicate bad absorption of vitamins, iron deficiency, arthritis or kidney dysfunctions.
You should see a doctor if there are horizontal or deep ridges in your nails. They can indicate a dangerous disease: Beau’s lines, characterized by depressions and darkened cells over the surface of the nail. It is the result of a sudden interruption of the protein synthesis in the nail. This may be caused by inadequate medication, malnutrition, injury of the nail or metabolic dysfunctions. The nails temporarily stop growing, due to serious health problems, such as pneumonia or heart attack. In this case, weeks later, lines appear from the folds, their length indicating the period when the patient was sick. Horizontal ridges may also indicate mental or physical stress. Ridges grow out after a time.



Muerhcke lines, other type of ridges, appearing as a result of pigmentation interruption. The person has albumin deficiency due to malnutrition, chemotherapy, liver or kidney disorders.
White longitudinal lines crossing the nail indicate are called Mee’s lines. They can appear after severe renal illness or arsenic poisoning.

A flu can also influence the look of your nails, by causing ridges.
Lack of moisture can cause ridge fingernails. In this case you have to drink more water and to give your hands extra massage sessions with a rich moisturizing cream.
Healthier diet and some vitamin or mineral supplements may help you improve general aspect of nails. You can also try eating gelatin, and you’ll see soon the results. Of course, avoid over filling your nails and cut your nails straight rather then round.

Protect your hand with gloves when working with water, doing the household cleaning or dealing with harsh materials or chemical solutions. Do not bite your nails, but cut them periodically, after you soaked them in a bowl with water and some drops of scented oil. The edges must be filed smooth. Nail polish and remover should not be used regularly. If you can give up polishing, then buy a long lasting enamel and avoid the remover that contains acetone or formaldehyde. File the nails only in one direction, from center to edge. Don’t clean too deeply the portion under your nails and avoid cutting cuticles, just push them down with an orange wood stick.
Treat at home the ridges on your nails with a very simple procedure. Five minutes, every day, on the following two weeks soak your fingernails in lemon juice or refined sunflower oil, heated first.

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