Do you know how many people actually afford time and money for manicures and pedicures? While these beauty steps may seem a bit extra steps to just take care of the nail and make the nail look good but surprisingly regular sessions helps to ensure removal of dead cells which allow healthy growth. A clean and healthy nail does not only make you have a clean hand, but at times may also depict your health level. There are many signs of the nails that could cost you worries, one of them is ridges on nails. In this DoctorOnCall’s article, we will be talking more about nail ridges and what you can do to get rid of them.
Nail ridges often appear as white spots or unpigmented lines, across or up and down the nail and which upon touch feels uneven, bumpy or raised. In short, it is known as a depression in the nail. Nail ridges in most cases are harmless and do not lead to any painful sensation. These ridges can happen to either or both fingernails and toenails.
There are many causes that could lead to ridges on the nails. It can be from ageing process, vitamin deficiency, injury to the nails from direct injury like hits on the nails or indirect one like excessive exposure to chemicals from nail products, medications and medical issues such as thyroid disease and kidney disease. Since there are numerous causes that could lead to nail ridges, one may overlook nail ridges as harmless. Hence, it is best to consult with a physician if the nail ridges happen suddenly and without apparent reasons out of nowhere.
Appearance of nail ridges can be either vertical or horizontal ridges. Vertical ridges are also known as longitudinal striations or bands with burrows running from the tip of the nail down to the cuticle. Vertical ridges are common among older adults. Meanwhile, horizontal ridges or Beau’s lines are usually a sign for serious medical problems. Apart from the direction of the nail ridges itself, it can be accompanied by other symptoms of changes in the colours underneath the nails and changes of the nail’s shapes causing them to become spoon-shaped.
Getting rid of the nail ridges by yourself should only be considered when the nail ridges do not happen promptly without any injuries beforehand. If you accidentally damaged your nail, you may want to wait and see how the nail and finger heals for the first few weeks. However, severe injury causing cut to the nails, crushed nails or bleeding under the nails, should get immediate medical supervision as such injury may lead to the nails unable to heal properly without proper treatment and care.
Below are ways to get rid of ridges on your nails on your own without breaking your wallet:
1) Keep nails hydrated with cuticle oil or natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil.
2) Avoid picking, biting and tearing the nails.
3) Practise a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced meals and exercising to keep circulatory systems in check that will help blood flow to the ridges and heal it.
4) Buff the nails for once a month using nail files and do it in one direction with gentle force.
5) Take a break from using nail polish once in a while.
6) Consider bringing your own manicure tools to nail salons to avoid sharing those tools with other customers.
7) Invest in quality ridge filing polish without the presence of harsh ingredients like formaldehyde or formalin.
8) Use gloves when doing house chores to avoid excess water in contact with nails and harsh home cleaning supply chemicals.
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