Causes of ridges and white spots on fingernails, how to treat?

Nail disorders can show valuable health warnings and signal about presence of a serious illness. Many people don’t care about such health warnings. Normal & healthy nails should be smooth and have uniform color. As we get older, our nails can become weaker or may develop vertical lines. These are really nothing to worry about. However, there are some anomalies that may justify by caring. Let’s talk about ridges and white spots on fingernails.

Nail care is an aesthetic and health issue. Since their disorders indicate that something is wrong in our body. Pay attention to their health and appearance of ridges and white spots on fingernails or other imperfections. Nails are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin. This same protein also found in hair and skin. Nails are composed of several parts, including nail-bed, nail-fold, cuticles and nail-matrix. However, the deficiency in keratin can cause issues like ridges and white spots on fingernails.

Also read; How to get healthy & perfect nails

Causes of ridges and white spots on fingernails

There are four main factors that usually cause nails disorders.

Aging, long-term use of nail polish, frequent exposure to water and health problems

Ridges on fingernails

Nails should be smooth surface with almost imperceptible lines. Lines with obvious edges can be a sign that something is going wrong with your body. The ridges may appear vertically or horizontally. Vertical ridges are often a sign of nutrition problems. Horizontal ridges often associated with liver disease, diabetes or other chronic diseases. Also, respiratory disease, malnutrition or even the risk of heart attack. The horizontal ridges may also be due to stress or illness.

As mostly doctors tell, such ridges provide valuable and reliable information on the habits and medical history of the patient. In some cases it may be, but if they suddenly appear, can be indicative of Onychorrhexis. Some inflammation of the skin, such as psoriasis, alopecia or hair loss and rashes on the body may be causes.

Some of the most common causes associated with ridges are:

– Iron deficiency

– Deficiency in vitamin B

– Inflammatory arthritis

– Lupus (for red lines at the base of the nails)

White spots on fingernails or Leukonychia

There are many myths associated with white spots on fingernails, but the simple truth is that most of them occur due to a previous injury to the nails. The white spots on the nails can be due to abnormality of the nervous system, which can lead to illness. These spots may also appear due to high stress or zinc deficiency. The cause is related to the keratin and poor nutrition. Or individuals with family history of leukonychia have more chances of developing this problem than others.

According to some myths, often white spots appear on the nails as a result of calcium deficiency or eating a lot of mayonnaise. However, if you have, don’t immediately think about deficiency of vitamins and minerals. In some cases, white spots on fingernails may show an infection, but more often are the result of an injury. If you have not suffered any injury, try to remember if you have recently suffered any allergies or any type of infection. Such conditions sometimes also give rise to the appearance of white spots on the fingernails. But sometimes they can be an indication of an allergic reaction to certain products used on the nails, such as nail paint, nail remover etc.

Do white spots on fingernails are dangerous?

The white spots that appear above nails, they are not harmful. They go moving as the nails grow, and can be removed by cutting the nails. Sometimes white spots appear under the nails and remain in the same place with each passing day. They can be signs of anemia, heart disease, cirrhosis, diabetes and kidney disease.

It is important to differentiate whether white spots are above or below nails. Also, whether those stains remain in the same place for several days or not.

How to treat ridges and white spots on fingernails?

If you find serious indications please visit specialists immediately. Here also I do mention some remedies that can help ridges and white spots on fingernails. Patients can use them along with taking medicine.

Also read; How to make nails beautiful, simple tips

Biotin Supplement

Biotin is very important for strong and healthy nails. It can be very effective in the treatment of thin or brittle nails.

Take a biotin supplement daily to strengthen weak nails. Consult your doctor for the correct dose. Also include biotin-rich foods such as almonds, egg yolks, whole grains, cereals, cauliflower, soy, fish, milk, lentils and bananas in your daily diet.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another good remedy for to treat nails disorders. It has nutrients that are healthy for the nails, such as vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. It also has the malic acid and acetic acid may help fight nail infections.

How to use?

Mix equal amounts of raw apple cider vinegar and water in a small bowl. Soak your nails in this solution for a few minutes. Immediately after, gently remove the cuticles.

Do this once a day and in a few days nails will become much stronger.

Also read; Rejuvenate Spa to get perfect nails & hands

Vitamin E oil

Often, the main culprit of nails disorder is lack of moisture. Vitamin E Oil is a great choice to keep your nails hydrated. It also helps strengthen and nourish nails and cuticles.

How to use?

Cut capsule of vitamin E to extract the oil. Apply the oil on your nails before going to bed. Massage gently for five minutes to increase circulation in the nail bed.

Do this every day for a week or two to notice a change in your nails.

Horsetail

Horsetail contains high amounts of silica, a mineral vital for strong and healthy nails. Additionally, this herb can help get rid of white spots on nails.

How to use?

Add two tablespoons of dry Horsetail in a cup of hot water. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Allow to cool and then soak your nails in it for about 20 minutes. Pat dry and then massage a little olive oil on them. Repeat this remedy three or four times a week.

Molasses

Lack of iron in the body can make your nails weak and brittle. Molasses is a good source of iron. It contains several nutrients that benefit your overall health.

How to use?

Mix one tablespoon of molasses in a cup of hot water or milk. Drink this once or twice daily for few weeks.

Note:  This remedy is not recommended for those who are diabetic.

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