Ribbed fingernails
Changes in the appearance of nails can be the cause of various health conditions. Today we will talk about what problem ribbed fingernails signal, and whether there are ways to treat them.
There are two types of ribs on nails - vertical and horizontal. Vertical ribs are the most common and generally not a dangerous sign.
However, there are times when the ribs on the nails can be an indicator that something is not right with your health, especially if they are horizontal.
Let's see what are the reasons that the fingernails have become ribbed and whether this can be prevented.
Vertical ribbing on nails caused by aging
Just as our skin can show signs of aging, nails can also begin to change as we age. They:
- get thicker or thinner
- lose their smooth shape
- exfoliate
- crack
- break easily
In addition, as the nails grow, vertical raised stripes may begin to form. These "ribs" run from the tip of the finger to the bottom of the nail and are not usually a cause for concern.
However, you should consult a doctor if the symptoms are too pronounced or if the nail is severely deformed.
Other causes of vertical grooves
Vertical stripes on the nails can appear not only due to approaching old age, but also in connection with other symptoms. For example, some types of anemia can affect the appearance of vertical ridges on the nails, often accompanied by a change in the color or texture of the nails. In addition to stripes on the nails, dents may also appear.
Other medical conditions may be involved in the appearance of vertical ridges on the nails, such as:
- Trachyonychia (dystrophy of all nails)
- peripheral vascular disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Eczema
If nail ridges appear along with other symptoms that are not caused by aging, such as thickening and brittle nails, this may be a sign of serious illness, and you should not put off a visit to the doctor.
Horizontal ridges on nails
Horizontal lines on the nails have a separate name - Bo lines.
Most often, these ribs are deep, and several stripes may appear across the nail at once.
Horizontal ribs are often a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, the nails may stop growing altogether until the condition is cured.
Bo lines can be a sign of:
- acute kidney disease
- diabetes
- pigs
- syphilis
Beau's lines can also appear in people who have had chemotherapy.
If you find horizontal ribbing on your nails, see a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis.
Ribbed nails treatment
As you and I have already learned, ribbed nails are often a sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, in the treatment of stripes on the nails, one should focus on eliminating the cause of their appearance. For example, if the appearance of ribs on the nails was provoked by eczema, then in order to cure the ribbing of the nails, the doctor will first try to reduce the symptoms of this particular skin disease by prescribing topical procedures. At the same time, the cells responsible for the formation of the nail plate can be healed, which will help you to disappear annoying stripes on your nails.
Do not ignore the signals that your body sends you, and show interest not only in the color of your manicure, but also in the condition of your nails. Be healthy and beautiful! :)