Ridges in Fingernails

Information On Bumpy Fingernails

Having ridges in fingernails is a problem, experienced by many people.

Both men and women are subject to ridges on fingernails, and they can signify a health risk, or just be plain annoying, especially if you want smooth shiny nails.

Ridged fingernails are bumpy ridges which can extend from the cuticle, to the tip of your finger nail; this type of ridge is very common.

Horizontal Ridges in Fingernails

Ridged fingernails which run across your nails horizontally from one side of the nail to the other, can be a sign of a health problem, and in this case I would definitely seek medical advice.

If the horizontal ridges are deeply grooved and slightly darkened then there is a possibility of it being Beau's lines, but again you would have to see your Doctor.

This type of ridge can also be caused from malnutrition, iron or zinc deficiency. Some medications can cause them, due to chemotherapy, diabetes and kidney disease, injury to the nail bed or a metabolic condition.

Many people who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), often notice ridges.

Can also be caused from a skin condition, such as psoriasis.

If ridges on your finger nails seem to change color, you may want to seek a medical opinion.

If you are discovering vertical ridges for the first time, and you have no other problems, then they can probably be fixed.

First off, they may have arisen because you are aging, as this is a very common sign with older people.

As we age, our bodies tend to slow down and many things change, take wrinkles for example!

Your finger nails also change as you age, and by having a finger nail care routine you will be able to help bring your fingernails back into balance.

Ridged fingernails can also be from lack of moisture, and being deficient in vitamins and minerals.

Your cuticles and nails can dry out very quickly as you age. It is important for your fingernail care to massage a cuticle oil cream into your cuticles and finger nails daily, at least 3 times a day.

Ridged Vertical Nails Remedies

Always use a good hand and fingernail moisturizer at night before you go to bed, preferably one which contains no chemicals.

Another way of keeping your cuticles and finger nails well moisturized, is to put a pair of cotton gloves on your hands to help seal in the moisturizer while you sleep.

If you continue to do this for a period of 6 months, you should see an improvement with your ridged fingernails. As your new nails start to grow they should be ridge free!

When you see an improvement in your finger nails, continue to maintain your regular moisturizing, maybe not so vigorously, a couple of times a day should do.

If you are not that old, and can't blame the problem on age then how about looking at your diet. Sometimes ridged fingernails can result from poor nutrition, or a vitamin deficiency.

Your body may not be absorbing nutrients as well as it should be. If this is the case, you would be best to take a digestive enzyme to help you. This can help with ridges, and it may help other miner problems such as weak fingernails.

• Help minimize ridges by using a nail buffer. Using the coarse side, lightly buff in the direction of the vertical ridge.
  

  Do not buff your fingernails to often; this will cause your fingernails to become thin, once a month is good.

• Use a ridge filler, this is great to use under nail polish. One coat of ridge filler is all you need. Allow to dry before applying polish.
  

• Take a good multivitamin and zinc supplement.
  

• Soak fingernails in sunflower oil or olive oil. Try to avoid nail hardeners.
  

• Drink plenty of water.
  

Doing all the above should help your ridges on fingernails.

I think I have suffered from every fingernail problem imaginable.

I have had ridges on fingernails for most of my life, yet overtime by taking supplements, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, moisturizing and buffing. I can proudly say, my ridges in fingernails are very slight and on most finger nails you can't see any at all.

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