Does anyone know anything about fingernail health?

Question

My fingernails are not terribly discolored or anyting, but they have pretty deep ridges running from cuticle to tip on them. Does anyone know what causes this, and even better, how to resolve it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/AN00591

Vertical nail ridges, which run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, are fairly common. They don't indicate serious illness and typically increase with age. Although their exact cause isn't known, heredity may play a role.

If your fingernails change color or develop horizontal ridges, see your doctor. These changes may indicate an underlying health problem.

Source: http://www.normanallan.com/Med/askdr/finger.html

Bate's, a medical book on diagnosis said all this.
Brittle nails signify possible iron deficiency and thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, and circulation problems.

Yellow nails can indicate internal disorders long before other symptoms appear. Some of these are problems with the lymphatic system, respiratory disorders, diabetes, and liver disorders.

Nails that chip, peel, crack, or break easily show a nutritional deficiency and insufficient hydrochloric acid and protein. Minerals are also needed.

Brittle, soft, shiny nails without a moon may indicate an overactive thyroid.

White lines across the nail may indicate a liver disease.

White lines (longitudinal?) show possible heart disease, high fever, or arsenic poisoning.

Nails separated from the nail bed may signify a thyroid disorder.

Nails raised at the base ("clubbing") with small white ends show a respiratory disorder such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. ("Clubbing" with lung disorders is one condition of the nails that is recognized by Standard Medicine.)

Ridges can signify a possible infection such as the flu.

Downward curved nail ends may denote heart, liver, or respiratory problems.

Ridges running up and down the nails indicate a tendency to develop arthritis.

Lack of vitamin A and calcium causes dryness and brittleness.

Vitamin B deficiency causes fragility, with horizontal and vertical ridges.

Insufficient intake of vitamin B12 leads to excessive dryness, very rounded and curved nail ends, and darkened nails.

White bands can indicate protein deficiency.

Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Answer 2

A naturopathic doctor can probably isolate what's causing your mail ridges.
I do know that I have been taking large amounts of zinc for another reason and the ridges on my nails have disappeared over the past year.

Answer 3

It sounds like you may have a nail fungus. There are over the counter products to treat this ... however your doctor can supply you with a good cream to treat this faster.