You might think of nail ridges as apparently harmless, but they might be pointing towards something serious.
If you have noticed ridges on your nails, it's time to take better care of your nails and your health, and bring the nails back to normalcy. It's not just a matter of looks – of course, no one likes to see layers of ridges on their nails, but the problem behind it goes far beyond surface-level beauty. You have to look after your nails immediately to prevent any further damage in the future, and for your safety, it's always a good idea to check in with your dermatologist.
What Causes Nail Ridges?
Nail ridges can be both vertical and horizontal. Vertical nail ridges can be caused by dehydration, eczema, overexposure to water, or aging. Horizontal ridges can occur because of injury, pushing back the cuticle, or if you constantly pick your nails. Certain deficiencies could also lead to nail ridges, such as Vitamin A, B, and B12 deficiency, anemia, or iron deficiency.
Ways to Prevent & Fix Nail Ridges
Use A Nail Cream
The best thing you can do for your nails is to moisturize them. Why? Because moisture protects the nail keratin and prevents the appearance of ridges. We recommend using the Magic Pen Repair & Growth Nail Cream from Daline Nails. Loaded with Vitamin E and Argan Oil, it not only keeps your nails moisturized, but also speeds up growth, protects the cuticles, and maintains overall nail health. It treats all forms of damage, while also minimizing and preventing ridges.
Don't Overwash
If you wash your hands way too much, your nails become weak, and your hand's natural moisture is stripped off. And needless to say, weak nails are likely to have ridges. So if you want to protect your nails from excessive water exposure, don't wash your hands unnecessarily. Use a gentle soap for cleaning your hands, and moisturize your hands and nails right after you wash them.
While doing chores, like doing dishes, protect your hands with gloves to avoid direct contact with water.
Don't Bite Nails
When you bite or pick on your nails constantly, your nails could become deformed, or you might notice certain irregularities in them. You should try to get rid of the habit of biting nails if you want to avoid nail ridges. Breaking this habit will take time, so you must consistently put effort to control biting your nails, and identify the situations that trigger you to indulge in nail biting.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider
As nail ridges can be a result of vitamin deficiency or other health conditions, you should consult your physician. They might suggest a healthy diet, or prescribe supplements to make up for the deficiencies. They will also be able to identify if there is an underlying health issue that's causing the nail ridges.
1 comment
very interesting information on nail ridges. I am in my 70’s and suffer with arthritis and have noticed over the years the nails are getting worse. Some nails are worse that others and I have one that is very damaged at the tip, keeps getting rough and will get caught on material the split further. I have a nail the has a ridge from base to tip ad if I let get too long splits in half. I have been having SNS to help keep strong but eventually ruin the nails further. I am hoping your product can help.