10 Best Ways to Eliminate

Ridges in Fingernails

Are Fingernail Ridges Driving You Crazy?

If you're reading this, you're probably dealing with unsightly fingernail ridges and lines.

Here's the good news...Most ridges are harmless, normal variations on nails. Now, the bad news...Some nail ridging may be a sign of more serious underlying medical problems.

So, What Are Fingernail Ridges?Fingernail ridges also known as “reedy nails” are raised lines on the nail surface also called the nail plate. These lines can run horizontally or vertically across the nail plate.

Most vertical ridges are commonplace and quite normal. Horizontal ridges and depressions on the nail plate can be associated with major medical problems.

Banish Your Ridges in 10 Easy Steps

Drink More Water...I know...it's boring advice. Yet, increasing your fluid intake with preferable water can just about cure your nailridging concerns. After all, the body is made up of at least 60% water. Water is crucial for many metabolic processes in the body. Do your nails a favor and drink up!

Take Your Vitamins...Not getting enough micro and macronutrients can destroy your nails. For example, zinc and iron deficiencies can cause not only ridges in fingernails, but concave spooning of the nail plate.

Let's face it. Most of us do not get sufficient amounts of nutrients in our diets. Adding nutritional supplements helps to fill in the gaps in an otherwise lackluster diet.

Avoid Nail Injuries... It's pretty obvious that any serious injury to the nail plate or surrounding tissues will have a major impact on nail health. That's why it is important to protect the nail from injury. Wear gloves when appropriate. Never ignore any signs or symptoms of nail infections, such as drainage, redness, or swelling. If you want to solve fingernail ridging, you must take care of your nails.

Stay Healthy...A healthy lifestyle is your best defense against fingernail ridges.Exercise increases the amount of blood circulation to the nails.A diet rich in vitamins, minerals,and protein provides necessary ingredients for stunning nails. Relatively low stress living also enhances nail appearance. So, stay calm and eat well!

Banish Nail BitingAs a nurse, one my biggest pet peeves is nail biting. Not only is it a great way to get sick. It's also an excellent way to get fungal infections. Fungal infectionscan lead to nails that are brittle, cracked, and full of ridges. Stop the biting habit.

Buff Your Nails...Nail buffing is one the most effective ways to remove superficial ridges on the surface of the nail. Buffing is the process of using a slightly abrasive tool to even out the nail plate. Used occasionally, buffing gives the appearance of smooth, glossy nails.

Axe Artificial Nails...Hey, artificial nails are great to look at! But, they can also wreck havoc on your natural nails and create ridges in the nail plate. The same goes for aggressive nail treatments, acetone based polish removers, and keeping nail polish on way too long. If you can, forgo fake fingernails and sport your own nails proudly. Remove nail polish after a week or two of use. Use non-acetone based products on your nails.

Monitor Your Medications...Taking any new medications lately and noticing new ridges on your nails? If you're taking prescription medicines, you should be aware that some medications can cause ridges. Certain medicines create disruptions in the growth of the nail from the nail bed. Antibiotics and oral contraceptives are two common classes of medications that may bring about nail ridging.

Use Sun Protectant...Did you know that too much sun exposure can ruin your nails? Yes, some sunlight is great and enables the body to make Vitamin D. However, ultraviolet (UV) light breakdowns down protein bonds in the nails which may lead to ridges in fingernails. It's wise to use a nail top coat with UV protection or a topical sunscreen or block to deflect harmful UV light.

Don't Age...Just kidding! Okay. I know there's not much you can do about getting older. But, the aging process affects just about every part of the body, including the nails. Aging causes a decrease in circulation to the nail. This creates slower growth of the nail plate which leads to ridges. In general, the elderly also tend to have more medical problems that could cause nail ridging. Even though there is little you can do to stop aging, you can grow old gracefully.

Want to Know Even More Amazing Facts about Nail Health?

Check out the links below The Ringworm Spot Fingernail Ridges Demystified Cover image credit-Jessie Heaven Lotz