A condition in which the red blood cells decrease usually due to deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid is called anemia. Iron deficiency alone may be responsible for triggering skin problems. Associated effects can include brittle and fragile nails which may develop vertical ridges or lines.
Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause changes to your nails. Zinc deficiency can cause Beau's lines and white spots on your nails. Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, like the center of your nail was scooped out.
You can buff your nails; just keep it to once a month.
Both experts caution against harsh buffing and say it can cause your nail plate to thin. Try using a four-way nail file to smooth away ridges, file in one direction only, and don't use too much force so you don't cause trauma to the nail and nail bed.
Iron improves nail health and prevents ridges along the nails. Include dark green leafy vegetables, beef, chicken, eggs, veggies, peanuts, beans, fruits in your diet to combat iron deficiency. Magnesium helps prevent ridges in the nails and with protein synthesis and new nail formation.
Koilonychia is indented nails. Instead of growing straight, your nails look concave, like spoons. In many people, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency. Usually, you can get rid of spoon nails by treating the underlying cause.
Healthy Fats
Adding more nuts, seeds, and avocados to your diet will help your nails grow shinier and stronger. Healthy fats help supply the body with magnesium, which is essential for bone and nail health. If you struggle with brittle nails or nails with ridges, your body might be telling you that you need more fat.
Limit Water Exposure
Frequent water exposure can dry out your hands and nails and lead to a brittle, ridged appearance. Try to limit your hands' exposure to water — especially hot water. Cover your hands with gloves when you're washing dishes, and limit excessive hand-washing as much as you can.
Can emotional stress cause Beau's lines? Mental and emotional stress can affect nail health and growth. Severe emotional stress, such as a divorce, death in the family or job loss, can cause Beau's lines. Anxiety disorders are another possible cause.
LONGITUDINAL MELANONYCHIA: VERTICAL BROWN-BLACK NAIL LINES
They have a variety of causes, including blood from trauma; bacterial, fungal, or HIV infection; drug therapy (eg, from minocycline); endocrine disorders (Addison disease); exogenous pigmentation; or excess melanin production within the nail matrix.
2 Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B12 deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It causes discoloration, pitting and changes in your fingernails and toenails. There isn't a cure, but treatments can alleviate related symptoms.
With age, vertical nail ridges may become more numerous or prominent because of changes in cell turnover within the nail. If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges, consult your health care provider. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition.
Ridges in your nails may be age-related. Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, that run across the nail indicate that your nail growth slowed or stopped and that it could be related to a health condition. Common causes include high fever, vitamin deficiency, injury, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease.
Zinc is found in high-protein foods such as meat and seafood. While these important nutrients do contribute to our hair, skin and nail health, it's not necessary to start a whole new supplement routine. In most cases, a supplement is only needed if there is a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
Bananas. This sweet and delicious fruit can actually help strengthen your weak nails. Bananas contain biotin, which is considered to be great for nails. So, if you have brittle nails, start eating bananas right now!
Horizontal ridges run from side to side on your nails and are often referred to as Beau's lines. Horizontal ridges can be caused by trauma to the nail and may be deep or discolored. The can also indicate malnutrition, psoriasis or a thyroid problem.
Ridges in your nails can also be warning signs of a vitamin B12 problem. Diet, age, and medications are all common culprits behind a B12 deficiency. Since meat is the primary source of vitamin B12 for most of us, strict vegetarians are at a higher risk for a B12 deficiency.