What Causes Ridges in the Fingernails?
Health Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that while ridges in fingernails may not be very attractive, they do not necessarily signify a health problem. Bumpy ridges that extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail are a common side affect of the aging process and are a result of dry skin spreading from the fingers, under the cuticle and onto the nails as they grow. Ridged fingernails are genetic and common in both men and women. While vertical ridges are more of an annoyance than anything, ridges that run horizontally across the nails can be a sign of a more serious problem. Poor nutrition may be revealed in uneven horizontal ridges. Since fingernails are made of protein, the uncommon ridges could indicate a protein or vitamin deficiency. When horizontal ridges continue to appear, make sure to mention it to your doctor, who may recommend a vitamin supplement and check you for anemia. Prevention Maintaining a strict regimen of moisturizing the cuticles to helps prevent ridges. As the
