Health risks of nails: Ridges in nails can denote these 5 health risks | – The Times of India

Our body is susceptible to change with time and age. Fraying of hair, sagging skin, and weaker joints may show up as symptoms. As people age, their fingernails and nail beds may begin to change in the same ways that their skin does. Sometimes, nails may also develop ridges in them. This condition may not be as simple as it seems.

What are ridged nails?

Clinically referred to as onychorrhexis, ridging is a condition that affects the nails and manifests as vertical striations or lines that start at the base of the fingernail and extend to the tip. These ridges can impact a small percentage of the nail surface or, in extreme situations, up to 70% of the nail. Their intensity can vary from a few superficial ridges to deep furrows.

Nutritional deficiency

Your nails may be impacted by specific dietary deficits. For instance, vertical ridges in your nails could be a sign of iron deficiency. Zinc and vitamins A, C, and D are additional vitamins that can support healthy nails.
According to a 2018 study by the National Institues of Health, biotin is also strongly advised to support nail health; nevertheless, further research is required to fully understand its advantages.

Anemia

Certain forms of anemia can affect the vertical ridges in the nails, which are frequently accompanied by color or texture changes. The nail may develop dents and vertical ridges as a result of anemia.

Digestive disorders

Nails may also be impacted by digestive issues that impair nutrition absorption. The body may have trouble absorbing nutrients from meals if you have Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis, for example. The skin and nails may deteriorate if the body lacks the necessary building blocks to create new cells.

Dehydration

In the absence of genuine disease, inadequate nutrition and dehydration are the most frequent causes of the development of longitudinal or vertical ridges. The ability of the nails to absorb nutrients decreases with age, which in turn impacts the nails’ growth.

Fatal diseases

Black-brown vertical lines in the nail plate are known as longitudinal melanonychia, and they can be a sign of a variety of diseases, such as trauma, bacterial, fungal, or HIV infections, endocrine disorders, exogenous pigmentation, or just an excess of melanin in the matrix. Additionally, benign or malignant disorders may be indicated by this type of nail discolouration.

How to treat ridging in nails:

The first step in treating nail ridges is controlling their cause. If you are unsure about the cause of the lines on your nails, consult your healthcare professional.
Ridges usually disappear on their own whether they are the result of trachyonychia, an injury, or an isolated incident. Usually, the best management approach is to observe and wait. Try the following techniques to achieve nails that look healthy:
Take a multivitamin that includes iron, magnesium, and vitamin B.
Inquire with your doctor about biotin, a vitamin B complex that is believed to help strengthen brittle fingernails.
Try topical treatments like corticosteroids or emollients (moisturizing agents).
Do not bite your nails or pick or clip your cuticles.
Your toenails should be cut straight, but your nails should remain curled.