Fingernail Ridges Remedy

Fingernail ridges can appear as lines, rails or grooves in two forms, vertical ridges and horizontal ridges. Vertical nail ridges start from the cuticle and end at the tip of the fingernails. Horizontal ridges run from left to right across the nails. The ridges may appear on all fingernails, on only a few of them or on the thumbs only.

Vertical nail ridges normally occur as a result of aging. They do not indicate an underlying health problem unless they are accompanied with nail discoloration such as blue, black or yellow or have formed deep ridges. As a person aged, there is a decline in moisture and oil contents in the nail plates. Another possible cause of vertical nail ridges is dry nails caused by chemicals in cleaning agents. Vertical nail ridges may also be due to genetic factors.

Horizontal fingernail ridges may be an indication that there is a sign of a medical condition. If the horizontal ridges appear as white line, it may indicate that there is arsenic poisoning. If deep grooves or depression appear horizontally on the fingernails, it could indicate there is an injury or a disease such as artery diseases, Raynaud's disease, uncontrolled diabetes, other metabolic diseases or an immunodeficiency syndrome. The condition is called beau line and malnutrition or vitamin deficiency is another possible cause of this fingernail problem.

If you notice horizontal fingernail ridges, it's best that you see a doctor to find out the underlying cause. The list of remedies below is meant for self-care and additional treatments for ridged nails.

Treatment for Fingernail Ridges

If the ridged nails are caused by loss of moisture, one of the natural remedies is to rehydrate them by massaging with jojoba oil combined with vitamin E oil twice a day. It may not only help moistened the nails but also prevent cracked nails.

Taking vitamin B7 or biotin as a supplement would also help improve the quality of fingernails as well as strengthen them. Studies have shown that biotin is able to stimulate epidermal cells and improve the structure of keratin.

Taking gamma linolenic acid or GLA and omega-3 fatty acids supplements are beneficial for fingernail health as well as the health of the skin and hair. Dietary sources of GLA include evening primrose oil, black currant oil, borage oil and spirulina. Foods high in omega 3 fatty acids are flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, sardines and soybeans.

One of the ways to conceal ridged fingernails is to apply nail ridges filler. It doesn't solve the nail problem but is able to hide your nail imperfection if you are concerned about its appearance.

Protect your fingernails when using cleaning agents by wearing gloves.

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