Longitudinal stripes on the nails: causes and methods of treatment

The French believe: hands are the most truthful part of a woman, because they can tell about their mistress that her language will never tell. The same can be said of nails. On their condition, the lifestyle and bad habits of the person to whom they belong are often displayed.

Nail problems

In children, white dots and stripes often appear on the nails. In this case, it is a manifestation of a lack of vitamins. It is enough to balance the diet and include in the diet more fresh vegetables and herbs or drink a course of complex vitamins. Worse if longitudinal or transverse convex stripes appear on the nail plates. This can signal serious pathologies.

Longitudinal stripes

Why do longitudinal strips on nails sometimes appear ? The reasons are most often associated with circulatory disorders, and therefore nutrition in the area of ​​nail growth. This is a signal that something is wrong in the body. Such defects in the nail plates can occur in two versions. In one case, they can be single and located only on one nail. Another option - longitudinal strips are observed on each nail plate and cover their entire surface. In this case, the reason most likely lies in the pathology of the internal organs. Some women are trying to mask the longitudinal strips that appeared on the nails under the varnish. This is not worth doing. It would be more correct to find out the cause of their appearance and correct the situation. And if you can’t cope on your own, then you need to see a trichologist or dermatologist.

Longitudinal stripes on the nails: causes

We will examine in more detail what this problem may indicate.

1. If there are longitudinal stripes on the nails, the reasons may be hiding in the incorrect processing of the cuticle. If the nail growth zone, which is just below it, is violated, similar bands form. In this case, the nutrition of the nail is disrupted, and such protruding strips are formed.
2. Improper diet or metabolic disorders are the following reasons. Nail grooves may indicate a lack of B vitamins, iron or zinc in the body. Excessive consumption of carbohydrates and a lack of fresh vegetables and fruits lead to a similar defect in nails.
3. These uneven grooves along the nail can cause serious diseases of the internal organs. For example, problems with the endocrine system. In people with diabetes or having excess weight, you can find such nails.
4. If there are longitudinal stripes on the nails, the reasons may lie in the incorrect operation of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. The next reason is a violation of the functions of the central nervous system or any damage to the spinal cord. This may be, for example, an intervertebral hernia or a tumor.
6. Fungal or skin diseases (psoriasis, lichen planus) are also quite common causes. Furrows on the nails in this case are most often accompanied by brittleness and delamination of the nail. In addition, such unpleasant sensations as redness, itching and burning can be observed. With such manifestations, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
7. Cardiovascular disease can also cause such streaks on the nails.
8. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause such abnormalities.
9. Disturbance of peripheral circulation can lead to a defect in the nail plates.
10. Stressful situations, emotional overstrain also do not affect the condition of nails and hair in the best way.
11. Women who build nail plates or use false nails may also have longitudinal stripes on their nails. The reasons in this case are the harmful external effects of chemicals that corrode the elastic structure of the nail. A nail plate with constant such exposure can be significantly depleted.

What to do?

Why do the longitudinal stripes on the nails appear? The reasons for their appearance, we have listed. Now we need to establish what exactly became the source of the problem in each case. If you could not identify the cause yourself, you need to see a doctor. Perhaps some studies will be prescribed to identify pathologies of the internal organs, for example, ultrasound, FGDS, a biochemical blood test.

Longitudinal strips on the nails of the hands: causes. Treatment

Most often, a specialist will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.

• If the reason for the appearance of irregularities on the nail plates is associated with a disease of the internal organs, then the main therapy will be aimed at treating the disease that caused such external manifestations. Only after a full recovery will it be possible to restore healthy nails. In parallel with the main treatment, a complex of vitamins is prescribed.
• If in the appearance of a defect such as longitudinal stripes on the nails, the reasons lie in fungal diseases, then antifungal agents are prescribed. Along with such treatment, it is necessary to balance nutrition. A good result is achieved if the therapy is accompanied by the daily consumption of a large number of vegetables, and especially greens.
• In overweight people, their metabolism is most likely impaired. Particular attention should be paid to carbohydrate metabolism. You need to give up sweets and muffins. It would also be nice to check your blood sugar at the same time.
• At the time of treatment, it is necessary to abandon nail extensions and patch plates. Poor nail care products must be replaced with high-quality ones.

Why do longitudinal grooves on the nails appear, we discussed the causes and treatment methods. Now let's talk a little about the prevention of this manifestation.

Prevention

Prevention methods consist in the proper care of hands and nails, as well as in a balanced diet.

• If you prefer to do a manicure yourself, especially carefully treat the cuticle. If you damage the zone of growth of the nail, which is located exactly in this place, then problems with the nails will be necessary, because the blood supply is disturbed, and therefore the nutrition of the nail plate.
• If you can’t do a quality manicure yourself, use the services of a professional. When choosing a nail salon, preference should be given to well-established ones. Make sure the tools are sanitized, or take yours. But do not forget that your own manicure tools also need to be disinfected after each use.
• Care products must be of high quality. For defects in nails, varnish is best not to be used for some time.
• Fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs must be present in the diet. But it is better to refuse sweet and starchy foods. Fatty foods also need to be limited.
• At least twice a year, you must take a course of complex vitamins. This will improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair.

Home Nail Care

In conclusion, several popular tips for nail care:

1. It is useful to make at least twice a week warm baths for nails with a solution of sea salt. This advice is especially useful for those with weak nail plates.
2. It is useful to wipe the nails with a slice of lemon. This tool will help whiten your nails.
3. If you wipe your hands and nails daily with olive oil, this will also give its positive results.

These simple tips will help you keep your nails healthy.