Why do i have lines on my nails and how do i remove them?

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Have you ever noticed that your nails get rid of their natural shine after a while? If yes, then you might be experiencing nail line problems. Nail line problems are caused by the accumulation of dirt and oil under the nail. The result is a dull, chipped, or discolored appearance.

Lines on the nails

The white lines, more or less thick, which appear horizontally on the nails, can have different causes. The most common are the following:

Serious illnesses with high fever

More complex infectious processes, such as the flu or a cold, accompanied by a high fever, can be responsible for the appearance of horizontal lines on the nails months after the illness.

These include pneumonia or scarlet fever. In this case, the affectation appears on several nails at the same time because the body has given priority to healing the pathology instead of continuing with normal nail growth.

In this case, no treatment will be necessary, but the lines will disappear as we recover.

Psoriasis on the hands and nails

This skin disorder that causes flaking and inflammation affects different parts of our body. Including the nails, on which it can cause horizontal lines.

People who suffer from it can live with great anguish, as the pain and itching can be very overwhelming.

Although in theory there is no cure for psoriasis, many people have noticed a great improvement by switching to a healthier, more balanced diet.

In this way, it is recommended to include fresh and natural foods with a low content of refined and harmful sugars and fats.

Circulatory disorders

Lines on the nails can be caused by poor blood circulation in the legs. Some symptoms are a feeling of heaviness for several hours or the presence of varicose veins.

The appearance of nail damage due to these causes may indicate that the blood supply is insufficient to reach the feet, so it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner.

Some remedies that can improve circulation are:

Lead an active lifestyle and avoid standing still for several hours at a time.
Eat a healthy and complete diet in which it is advisable to include red foods (tomato, berries, cayenne, etc.).
Apply cold water to the legs in the shower.
Massage the legs with essential oils (rosemary, cypress, witch hazel).

Zinc deficiency

Zinc is an essential trace element for many functions of our body as well as for having strong and healthy nails.

Its deficiency can cause the appearance of spots or horizontal lines. If the results of medical examinations show a deficiency, it may be advisable to increase its consumption, as we have seen that there are more causes of these spots or lines on the nails.

We can take zinc as a supplement or consume it in the form of food:

  • Cocoa Powder
  • Dry watermelon seeds
  • Meats
  • Oysters
  • Peanut
  • Sesame
  • Squash (and its seeds)
  • Butter

Aging of nails

The most common explanation for vertical lines on the nails is aging, which is inevitable.

However, with a good diet rich in antioxidants, we can delay the deterioration caused by free radicals, both inside and out.

Here are some of the antioxidant foods:

  • Cocoa
  • Garlic and onion
  • Lawyer
  • Grape
  • Tomato
  • Lemon
  • Broccoli
  • Turmeric
  • Green tea
  • Nuts
  • Apple
  • Pepper

Vitamin B12 deficiency

In some cases, the appearance of the lines may be related to a lack of vitamin B12, that is, to pernicious anemia.

It is important to establish a medical diagnosis of the cause of the deficiency of this vitamin as it may be due to a strict vegan diet (which can be improved with supplements) or poor absorption of this nutrient by more serious illnesses. intestinal type.

We find good sources of vitamin B12 in the following foods:

  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Fruits
  • Dairy products
  • Spirulina
  • Yeast

Magnesium deficiency

Lack of magnesium can also cause these lines to appear. Here are some of the foods rich in magnesium:

  • Green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, kale, etc.)
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Dried fruits
  • Fatty fish
  • Lawyers

Sometimes it is necessary to take a magnesium supplement. The most common are chloride (great for fighting constipation) and citrate (more suitable if we suffer from heartburn).

If you want to remove your nail lines, there are several ways to do it. Here are some of the most effective methods:

1. Use a nail file to gently smooth out the surface of your nails.

2. Apply a clear coat of polish to your nails. This will help protect them from further damage.

3. Get professional manicures at least once every two weeks. A good manicure can make all the difference in removing nail lines.

4. Try using an emery board with fine sandpaper. You may also use this method if you don’t like filing your nails.

5. Rub lemon juice into your cuticles for about 10 minutes each day. It’s best to apply it before bedtime so as not to disturb sleep. 6. Moisturize your hands daily with moisturizing lotions.

7. Avoid touching your fingers when they’re wet because water tends to stick to dry skin more than oily skin.

8. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day.

9. Don’t wear tight-fitting clothing. Loose-fitting clothes allow air circulation around your body which helps keep your skin healthy.

10. Keep your fingernails short enough to prevent injury.

 

How to Get Rid of Fingernail Ridges, According to Dermatologists

By Dr. Michael Roizen | July/August 2011

The fingernails are a part of our body that we take for granted until something goes wrong with them. The nail is made up of three layers: an outer layer called the epidermis; a middle layer called the dermis; and finally, the innermost layer, which contains blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands, oil glands, sebaceous glands, and lymph nodes.

What Are Fingernail Ridges?

Fingernail ridges occur when skin cells grow in layers and form tiny bumps along the nail bed. They’re most common at the base of each finger but can also appear around the cuticle or between fingers. The cause is unknown; some dermatologists believe they may be caused by genetics while others think that environmental factors like diet play a role. Regardless of their origin, these small bumps don’t pose any serious medical concerns. However, they can become unsightly over time.

Vertical ridges

A ridge that runs vertically down one side of your nail plate is called a “vertical ridge”. Vertical ridges often appear when there’s an infection under the skin at the base of your finger or toe. The bacteria cause inflammation and swelling around the area where it lives. This results in redness and tenderness along with thickening of the tissue surrounding the affected areas.

Horizontal ridges

A more noticeable type of ridge is one that runs horizontally across the nail plate. These are known as transverse grooves or cracks. Horizontal ridges usually appear at the base of your fingernails.

They’re most commonly seen with conditions such as psoriasis, which causes redness and scaling of the skin. The scaly areas tend to rub off onto your nails, causing damage and eventually leading to horizontal ridges.

Other possible reasons for horizontal ridges include: • A condition called paronychia, which occurs when the soft tissues beneath the nail fold get infected. In severe cases, pus forms underneath the nail and spreads through the subcutaneous tissue.

• Nail biting. If you bite your nails too much, you could end up damaging the delicate tissue below the surface of the healthy nail.

• Trauma from wearing shoes without proper support. When this happens, pressure builds up inside the shoe and forces the toes down toward the ground. As the foot continues to move forward, the force travels upward into the sides of the feet and then back down again. Over time, the repeated trauma can lead to calluses and corns forming on the bottom of the feet.

If you notice vertical or horizontal ridges on your nails, see your doctor right away so he or she can determine if there’s anything else going on. You might need treatment to help prevent further problems.

Ways to Get Rid of Ridges In Your Fingernails, According to Dermatologists

The ridges are caused by the growth of keratin in the bed of your healthy fingernail and they usually don’t cause any problems unless they become too long or thick. But if that happens, it’s time for a visit from your dermatologist. The good news is there are ways to get rid of those annoying ripples without having to go under the knife!

1. Moisturize your nails regularly.

2. Use an exfoliating scrub or file at least once per week.

3. Avoid nail polish removers with acetone because it dries out your skin. Instead, use a moisturizing solution like Cuticle Oil for Nail Care.

4. Don’t wear acrylics. Acrylics are hard plastic and don’t allow moisture into your cuticles. They also dry out your hands faster than other types of nail polish. 5. Wear gloves while doing housework. Wearing latex or vinyl gloves will keep your fingers moist all day long.

6. Keep your nails trimmed short. Longer nails make it easier for dirt and debris to collect between the layers of your nail plate. Trimming your nails every two weeks helps avoid buildup.

7. Wash your hands frequently. Hand washing removes germs before they reach your fingertips. It also prevents bacteria from building up on your nails.

8. Cleanse your manicure tools after each use. Using clean instruments reduces the risk of spreading infection.

9. Remove rings before sleeping. Sleeping with jewelry on may irritate your skin and increase friction against your sheets.

10. Change socks daily. Dirty socks harbor bacteria that can spread infections.

11. Take care not to scratch yourself during sleep. Scratching increases blood circulation to the area, making it harder to heal.

12. Be careful about what you eat.

 

The Mayo Clinic recommends that 20 to 30 percent of your calories come from healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds), 20 percent from protein (lean meats, fish, beans), and 45 to 50 percent from healthy carbohydrates (fruits, veggies, whole grains).

1. Dry Skin and Cracked Cuticles

Your cuticle is the skin at the base of each finger or toenail. It protects the nail from bacteria and other irritants. When it becomes dry, cracked,v or damaged, you may be more likely to get infections like athlete’s foot. If this happens often, talk with your doctor about treating your condition.

2. Yellowing Tissues Around The Toes Yellowed tissues around the toes indicate poor circulation. This could mean that you’re dehydrated, which means you aren’t getting enough water through your diet. Talk with your doctor about increasing your fluid intake.

Painful Callouses On Feet

Calluses form when the top layer of dead cells gets thicker over time. While these areas feel rough and uncomfortable, they shouldn’t hurt. However, pain indicates inflammation, which can signal underlying health issues such as diabetes or gout. See your podiatrist for treatment options.

Calloused Hands And Fingers

If callused spots appear on your palms and/or fingers, see your doctor right away. He or she might recommend using special lotions designed specifically for people who work outdoors. Or try soaking your hands in warm salt water for 10 minutes several times a week.

Cracking Of Finger Nails

Finger cracks occur when the outermost part of the nail breaks off. As the nail grows back, it forms an uneven surface that makes walking painful. A visit to your dermatologist should help determine if there’s anything else going on.

Finger Nails That Are Too Short

Nails grow longer as we age. But sometimes our fingernails become too short. This problem usually occurs due to genetics, but it can happen later in life if someone has had their nails clipped regularly.

Muehrcke’s Lines of the Fingernails

The cause is unknown; however, it may be related to genetics or an underlying medical problem such as diabetes mellitus. The condition usually appears during adolescence but can occur at any age. It tends to run in families. In some cases, there are no known risk factors for developing this disorder. However, if you have DM, your chances of getting these lines to increase.

Symptoms include thickening of the skin around the nails, especially near the sides of the fingers and toes.

Symptoms of Muerhcke’s Lines

Muenrhcke’s lines are usually present at birth and can be seen on both hands. They may also develop later in life. The most common symptom is a whitish line running from one end to another along with the nail plate. This line appears when you look closely at your nails because it has an irregular shape. It looks like two parallel lines joined together with a small gap between them. You might notice this if you have long nails or short ones.

Causes of Muehrcke’s Lines

There are many causes for this condition including trauma, infection, or genetic factors. Trauma can be caused by injury or surgery. Infection may occur when there is poor hygiene around your hands. Genetic factors include having certain genes which make it more likely that you will develop the condition.

Treatment of Muehrcke’s Lines

Albumin is found in the blood. It also helps move hormones, vitamins, and medicines through your body.

There is currently no cure for Muehrcke’s lines. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Topical creams containing steroids such as hydrocortisone 1% cream applied twice daily

Oral medications including oral antibiotics like tetracycline 500 mg 4 times per day

Systemic treatment using intravenous fluids to replace lost fluids

Surgery to remove excess skin around the finger joints

Dark Lines: Melanoma

The state of your nails can provide clues about various health problems such as anemia and skin cancer. Sometimes, in order to cure the fungus, you’ll need to have the nail removed,” explains Louise Vlachos, DO, a physician at Penn Family and Internal Medicine Cherry Hill.

However, small cracks and depressions on your nail known as “pitting” can be a sign of psoriasis. Since hair and nails are so closely related, this might also be a sign of alopecia areata, which is a medical condition in which you lose patches of hair.

Splintering: type of Skin Cancer

While most people don’t worry much about splinters under their fingernails, these tiny pieces of wood could actually indicate a problem. When you get cut, there’s always some bleeding beneath the surface of your skin. This is normal. It helps prevent bacteria from entering your bloodstream.

However, when you notice little bits of wood sticking out of your fingertips, this could mean you’ve got a skin lesion that needs attention.

 

As a result, the nail polish will dry out your cuticles and cause irritation to your dry skin.

How can you prevent this from happening? The best way is by using an oil-free base coat that won’t clog pores or irritate your skin. If you’re looking for something more natural, try our Nail Polish Remover! It’s made with olive oil and lemon juice which are both great at removing any stubborn stains without causing damage to your hands.

 

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