Fingernails today, does not only make a beauty statement for women but in today’s glamor world it is important for men as well. Apart from this it is also indicates a lot about a person's overall health. There are a number of causes of ridges on fingernails.
Vertical ridges which run from your cuticle to the tip of your nail are very common. This is more noticeable in older people. However this is not a cause of concern unless the condition is paired with color changes in the nail.
Horizontal ridges indicate health related issues and hence requires immediate medical attention.
The most common cause for ridges in fingernails is due to malnutrition or malabsorption. Another area could be vitamin deficiencies which could also cause this problem. This happens when the body's production of the materials in the nail is interrupted. Lack of moisture in the nails could also lead to this issue. Since nails also indicate health related issues changes in your nail could be due to this. Dramatic color changes in your nails like your nail color turns bluish, greenish, or yellowish; is a sign that your body is having difficulty coping with a problem.
Here are some home remedies to help you take care of your nails. Wearing gloves is a good option especially while working with chemicals, doing construction work and other such work as this prevents any further damage to your nails. Your diet plays an important role in this so include iron, zinc and B-12 enriched food or you could also take a vitamin supplement that includes all these. If the condition is due to lack of moisture in your nails you could massage it with a moisturizing lotion or even oil. Increase in the amount of drinking water will also help. Remarkable changes in nail structure can indicate respiratory or circulatory problems. As it is said, time heals everything and sometimes letting your nails grow could be another solution. However in the meantime coat your nails with a clear protective polish to strengthen them while you wait for the ridges to disappear. Manicure will also do a good deal of help for your nails. Also in case your nails are brittle you could try keeping your fingers in starch water (the water that is usually throw away for boiled rice) for five minutes as this will strengthen your nails. It is always best to visit a doctor or seek medical attention if you notice horizontal ridges as this could be an indicator to health problems.
