Last Updated:
Apart from a natural process like ageing, health problems and the use of chemicals can also cause nail ridges.
Washing your utensils or using household cleaners can also lead to ridges on your nails. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Have you ever noticed the tiny lines running across your fingernails? These are known as nail ridges. While they may seem like a minor detail, they actually provide clues about the overall health of your body. Ridging is a condition that results in striations or lines that start at the bottom of the fingernail and extend to the tip.
Apart from natural processes such as ageing, health problems like nutritional deficiencies, dehydration or digestive disorders cause them.
Today let’s discuss some of those causes that lead to such horizontal and longitudinal impressions along with a few remedies that can help prevent your nails from acquiring them.
What are the causes of ridges on your nails?
Ageing
As people age, their nails tend to become thinner and more brittle. These factors may also lead to vertical ridges. These ridges are usually not considered to be dangerous.
Nutritional deficiencies
Deficiencies in iron, folic acid, protein, zinc and selenium may result in vertical ridges on your nails. Vitamins A, B, C, D and E are additional nutrients that your body requires for healthy nails.
Chemicals
Overexposure to water is another major factor to look out for. Moreover, chemicals found in nail grooming products and cuticle softeners can also lead to nail deformation. While poisons like arsenic cause horizontal ridges.
Digestive disorders
Digestive issues also have an impact on the condition of your nails as they can impair nutrition absorption. Individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or ulcerative colitis may have problems absorbing nutrients.
Dehydration
Improper water intake is another major factor that results in the development of longitudinal and vertical ridges on your nails. Dehydration prevents your nails from absorbing the required nutrients.
How to treat ridges in nails?
There are some simple methods to improve the appearance of your nails. However, one must note that these home methods might not make the ridges go away completely. They include –
Apply moisturiser
The easiest way to relieve your nails is by applying moisturiser to the cuticles daily.
Avoid biting nails
Biting or chewing on your nails is a major factor that affects your health. Avoid biting them or cutting your cuticles to prevent ridges.
Take breaks from manicures
Gel manicures, artificial nails or acrylics have a significant impact on your nails’ health. Avoid using these treatments as they weaken your nails and dry them out.
Wear gloves
Wear gloves when working with chemicals. Washing your utensils or using household cleaners can also lead to ridges on your nails.