A question re finger nails

[MrsBigD]

Just wondering if anybody knows...

my finger nails have ridges in them

My thumb nails have horizontal stripes but I believe that's due to damage at the base of nail

However all the other nail seem to have lengthwise ridges. Is that a deficiency of any sort?

tia?

I have vertical ridges!

and do you know why?

No! Asked on here a while ago but no-one knew! Thinking maybe some kind of deficiency.

According to this link (warning, some gruesome images of dodgy and infected nails!):

"Vertical Ridges are also characteristic of aging, although are not limited to the aged or elderly. The nail plate grows forward on the nail bed in a 'rail and groove' effect, much like a train rides on its' tracks. As we age, the natural oil and moisture levels decline in the nail plate, and this rail and groove effect becomes apparent. Ridged nails will improve through re-hydration of the nail plate with twice daily applications of a good quality nail and cuticle oil containing Jojoba and Vitamin E."

you need to eat more red meat

Or here says:

"Nail textures: Vertical ridges that appear on the nail can indicate disorders as simple as iron deficiency, poor absorption of vitamins and nutrients, overall poor health or they could indicate something as serious as kidney trouble. (So, you see why consulting your physician is so important.) These vertical ridges, as well as bumpy nails, can also suggest that one is prone to developing arthritis. Ridges running horizontally across the nail can indicate physical or mental stress."

(hmm, although I don't trust that as much - looks like a bit of a collection of info without reference as a way of getting advertising revenue... although I have heard about the arthritis thing before)

Doctor Q&A seems to back up the first link:

"Vertical nail ridges, which extend from your cuticle to the tip of your nail, are fairly common and often become more numerous as you age. Vertical ridges in your nails are not a health concern. Although the exact cause of such ridging isn't known, heredity may play a role.

If your fingernails change color or develop horizontal ridges, see your doctor. These changes may indicate underlying health problems, such as respiratory disease, malnutrition or even heart attack."

So the horizontal stripes are more likely to be an issue than the vertical ones ... vertical ones do seem to be about ageing though...

Another medical site which seems to back up that horizontal stripes should be referred to a GP but vertical ridges are normal.

ah so I'm just getting old LOL
Eat plenty of red meat so shouldn't be iron deficient.

As for my horizontal ridges I know mine stem from constantly picking at base... it's a nervous thing... and nailbed got damaged. lso have the discolouring... might have a chat with a GP though, maybe they can think of a miracle cure

thanks for the info links

Oh dear, I must be getting old! My nails have vertical ridges on them.

Re horizontal ridges, I'm currently living in Africa and it's noticeable when I've been back to the UK that I later have a horizontal stripe on my nails. I put it down to eating a better diet in the UK than here. Some of my nails are also incredibly shiny nowadays. Six of them look as though they have clear polish on them - weird!

I am getting old

Will try the moisturising thing on them!

almond oil is v good for nails!

I have vertical ridges. I didn't start getting them until I got the horizontal ridges from destroying the nail bed - so maybe co-incidence or linked. I'm, also anaemic.

my mum had a similar thing she brought some vitamin e oil from a health shop and had amazing results using it.

I have vertical ridges on 2 of my nails, nothing on any of the others!