Our bodies tell us if something is wrong, there are also times when it will only be temporary. When we see our nails change form or texture, it might be a sign of something more serious. Change of pattern such as seeing vertical lines on nails could mean a lot of things, so in this article, we’ll be briefly discussing what vertical lines on your nails could mean.
Possible causes of vertical lines on our nails
- Aging
Having vertical lines on the nails, together with changes on fingernails and nail bed, could be a sign of aging. As we age, our nails can become thinner or thicker, or reduce smoothness. It could also begin to split and break easily.
- Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia can cause vertical lines on our nails as well. This can come with changes in the nail form as well. Iron deficiency anemia could also make your nails have a concave, spoon-like shape.
- Malnutrition
In some cases, our nails have vertical lines because we are lacking some vitamins. It can also come with a change of color or can also become weak and brittle.
How to prevent having ridges on nails
- Moisturize
Keep your nails healthy by using a moisturizer that contains ceramides or alpha-hydroxy acids that will help absorb moisture and nourish your nails.
- Keep your nails clean
Cutting the nails on the shorter side helps prevent trauma to your nails. Trim the nails directly, then use a very fine nail file to round the tips with gentle curves. Do not cut it too short as this could cause your nails to have ridges.
- Avoid biting your nails
Biting your nails can cause irregular nail growth. Some parts could grow thicker than the others and your nails might crow weaker or more brittle. Try to find a way to manage and avoid biting your nails to prevent this from happening.
- Avoid messing with your cuticles
Cuticles protect your fingers’ tissues from having infections and dirt, it could also cause damage to your nails such as having irregular growth or deformity. Avoid pushing your cuticle back or picking it to avoid future problems.
- Do not overwash your hands
It is healthy to regularly wash your hands but overwashing it is also a thing. It may be necessary to wash hands when they are dirty, but overwashing might strip out the natural oils that could make your skin dry and could cause some changes in your nail’s quality. Soaking your hands in water for a long period of time is also not a good idea as nails absorb water and when they absorb too much, it could make them softer and weaker over time.
- Have a healthy diet
In some cases, vitamin deficiency is a reason why their nails are having problems(such as having ridges and white spots). Having a balanced diet with the right amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and calories may help resolve this issue.
- Take supplements if needed
If it seems impossible to always have a balanced meal, you can take supplements to supply you with the vitamins and minerals your body and nails need.
