Nail health is an accurate indicator of your overall health. Horizontal ridges on nails, also known as Beau’s lines, are a sign that you might be suffering from an unknown underlying health problem. A ridge is a groove or an indentation in the nail that shows up without apparent cause. They can be vertical or horizontal. The horizontal ridges are growing across the nail and should not be confused with vertical ridges going from the bottom or cuticle of the nail out to the fingertip. Nails, be it fingernails or toenails, grow very fast and might point out to a health issue much earlier than the rest of the body. Horizontal nail ridges often indicate a deficiency of vitamins or minerals but they might also imply the existence of a more serious underlying condition. They can also become an important cosmetic issue as nails and toenails, especially during the summer months, are very visible parts of our bodies. Many times they are the first thing others see. Read on to find about some possible causes for the appearance of horizontal ridges and how to get your beautiful and healthy nails back!
What causes horizontal ridges on toenails?
Horizontal ridges on nails might appear due to a host of different issues. Any type of crushing injury such as hitting it with a blunt instrument, like a hammer or dropping a book on your nails, might produce horizontal ridges. Chemical substances, such as nail polish or a particularly harsh nail polish remover, when used regularly over long periods might be a cause. Sometimes, repeated exposure to trauma, such as a bad running shoe creating friction in the same spot, might be the culprit. Arsenic and silver are two poisons that, when ingested, might lead to horizontal ridges forming on your nails. Bacterial infections, such as yeast or other fungal infections, have also been known to create horizontal ridges on nails but we cannot ever completely discount a serious illness as an underlying condition. If you are not sure and suspect that the cause to horizontal ridges might be serious, the best course to follow is to talk to your doctor.
How common are ridges on nails?
Horizontal ridges are quite common! It is not a subject we feel comfortable discussing but nails suffer a lot of wear and tear during the day especially if we regularly do sports or are on our feet for a big part of a 24 hour, thus becoming vulnerable to damage. All these activities create constant trauma on toenails and the end result might very well be horizontal ridges! In a majority of cases, ridges on the toenails do not constitute a reason for concern. Most of the time they are just a cosmetic problem since, especially during the summer months, toenails are quite visible. However, it is important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes. Always be on the safe side and if you have any cause for worry do not hesitate to speak to your doctor.
Treatment for horizontal ridges
The treatment for horizontal ridges on nails naturally depends on the underlying cause and should be tailored accordingly. Injuries might clear up by themselves if allowed enough time to recover and the traumatic event is removed (always wear proper shoes!). The most important help you can offer your toenails is a good nail care routine that will keep them moisturized. Dry toenails have a tendency to turn brittle, a state in which they can be easily damaged. Make sure you help them recover by taking a vitamin and minerals supplement! You may also want to use a buffer to rub-down the ridges on your toenails. If they are due to a more serious condition, your doctor will be able to prescribe an appropriate treatment to reduce the ridges and improve the appearance and, more importantly, the health of your nails. Keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure. Following these simple steps will help prevent the development of horizontal nail ridges:
● eat a healthy nutritious diet and make sure it contains plenty of vitamins and minerals.
● use multivitamin supplements if you feel your diet is lacking.
● follow a proper nail care routine.
● avoid wearing very tight-fitting or bad fitting shoes which might cause horizontal ridges in toenails.
● reduce or eliminate the usage of nail polishes and other harsh chemicals.
How to deal with horizontal ridges on nails
As long as medical intervention is not required, the best way to deal with horizontal ridges on toenails is by following a good nail care regimen. Here are a few easy tips and tricks for a routine you can follow at home to help mitigate or prevent the issue:
● Assuming that you are using nail polish, remove it with the help of a nail polish remover.
● Do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly and carefully dry the nails with a cotton cloth after you have removed the nail polish with the help of the nail polish remover.
● Apply a little amount of nail oil or cuticle cream on each nail. Carefully rub the oil or cream on the nail beds. This step also helps prevent nail issues like hangnails, peeling or cracking.
● Follow this with a serious buff to the nail using a cushion file, moving in a pattern from the nail corner to the central area of the nail. Remember to limit the number of strokes to under 4 to 6 times per nail. Perform the process regularly until you eliminate all ridges.
● Last but not least, let’s not forget the tremendous effect of diet on nails health. It never is a good idea to underestimate the effect of a varied and highly nutritious diet on every aspect of your health but adding a dietary supplement can make the difference between overstressed nails, prone to damage and healthy, easy growing and easy to maintain ones.
Many of us find it difficult to follow a daily set routine but with the help of some products and tools this can be turned into the perfect self-care moment and will soon become one of the most comfortable moments of the day. In support of the nail care regimen described above, here is a list of products that will help you maintain or recover the health of your toenails if they are afflicted by horizontal ridges:
