It so happens that all efforts for hand care do not give the desired result. Nails look brittle and constantly exfoliate. And this is not the worst. Further, in general, ribbed fingernails may form. The causes of such defects are various. This can be mechanical damage that occurred after an incorrect manicure procedure. Well and much worse - physiological reasons. Most often, they are caused by a lack of useful substances in the body, or some kind of disease.
Ribbed Nail Plate
Looking at her nails, a woman may notice that their surface has become uneven. Defects such as tubercles and depressions are striking. Suddenly, the fingernails became ribbed. The defect in question is especially pronounced on the thumbs. Moreover, if you look closely, the waves of each nail are different from one another. Sometimes a hollow on the nail plate can appear alone and not change in size even with time. In any case, it is very ugly. Especially the defect is striking if the coating is varnished without a pearlescent effect. All surface irregularities will become visible even with the naked eye.
Fungal infections as the cause of ribbing
In case of detection of the defect in question, the question arises: "Why are the nails ribbed?" On the hands of each person, they perform not only the function of attractiveness, but also act as an indicator of the health status of the body. Next, we have to figure out what makes the nails wavy.
In many cases, the appearance of ribbing is associated with improper observance of the technique of cosmetic processing - manicure.
- Improper cutting of nails.
- Inaccurate cuticle cutting.
- Frequent and rough use of a nail file.
- Inattentive hand care at home.
But the reasons for the formation of waves on the nail plates are also more serious. This ailment can indicate the occurrence of various infections.
Fungal infections are mycoses. When there is a suspicion of the possible presence of a fungus, it is best to go to a dermatologist or mycologist. The most accurate indicator of spore damage is the appearance of yellowness on the nails. To confirm a fungal infection, a medical institution will conduct an examination. In addition, in order to prescribe an effective treatment, it will be necessary to isolate a variety of spores from a large number of known bacteria. Mycosis is a contagious disease. It can be picked up completely unnoticed by yourself. For example, just grab a handrail or railing or say hello to an infected fungus. To avoid infection with mycosis, it is best to follow standard hygiene rules.
Non-fungal nail lesions
In addition to fungi, a variety of pathogenic bacteria can deform the nail plate . And in this case, you need to immediately consult a doctor for testing. After the diagnosis, the specialist will prescribe the correct treatment.
The appearance of nails as an indicator of the health of their owner
When a person discovers that the fingernails have become ribbed, of course, it is best to undergo a full medical examination. After all, a change in the surface of the plate may indicate a malfunction in the body and even the presence of serious diseases. One has only to think about the fact that each of us visits public places every day in which it is easy to catch an infection. But there are not many people suffering from the disease in question. The reason for this is their strong immunity, and, therefore, the waves on the nails are the first indicator of a violation of his work. So, if a person has ribbed nails on his fingers, then this can also mean that he needs to think about his health. It is necessary to deal with strengthening the immune system.
What actions to take?
If the considered defects occur, you need to start with changes in your lifestyle. First of all, this concerns the regime and assortment in nutrition. It turns out that the body needs vitamins and important trace elements. Everyone knows that the right foods are transporting these substances to us. You need to review your diet.
A balanced diet is the inclusion in the daily menu of foods rich in vitamins and minerals. And it’s not necessary to chase after some exotic fruits. Everything you need is contained in such familiar products as cabbage, potatoes, beets, apples, oranges and much more.
Today, with weakened immunity, almost every person can manifest such a defect as ribbed fingernails. The reasons for the decrease in the level of body protection are quite common. These include insufficient provision of the body with vitamins "A", "B", "C", "E", zinc, iron, sulfur and fluorine. There are a lot of products that make up their shortage.
- To normalize the level of iron, it is necessary to include in the diet a sufficient amount of liver and meat (beef). It will also be useful to use legumes, cabbage.
- The source of fluoride is fish, shrimp and eggs.
- To normalize the level of sulfur, eat fresh salads, garlic and buckwheat.
- The supplier of zinc to the body is cereals, nuts and herbs.
- To get vitamins, citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, cereals, yeast, milk and blackcurrant are suitable.
Healthy nutrition should be supplemented with healthy sleep, exercise and regular walks.
Causes of mechanical damage
What do ribbed fingernails look like? Photo below. If your nails are similar to those shown in the picture, it is worth starting the treatment.
Most often, the cause of the formation of waves are errors when performing cosmetic procedures or by chance. What should be avoided so as not to harm the nail plate?
- Damage can occur even if you press hard on its surface with a ballpoint pen or when you constantly beat your fingers on the keyboard buttons.
- Incorrect cuticle removal. When it is processed with metal tools, the root of the nail is sometimes damaged.
- Biting and slopping off the barbs helps to introduce bacteria.
Nail treatment at home
Of course, there are many reasons, after which ribbed fingernails are formed. Treatment and prevention of this disease is also carried out at home according to the following recommendations.
- The use of household gloves during homework so that bare hands do not come into contact with aggressive agents.
- You can give preference to unedged manicure. Today, there are such types of it as Japanese, European and spa manicures.
- Be sure to regularly hold baths for hands and nails, the main component of which is sea salt.
- Daily massage of the nail plates using a special manicure brush, as well as using vegetable and essential oils.
- It is advisable to resort to the constant use of basic and therapeutic coatings. Use these products as a base for varnish, or just to protect your nails from damage.
- Experts advise against using varnishes with specks and sand. They violate the base of the nail plate.
Manicure Features
If a wave of nails has formed, many make a big mistake, trying to polish the defects with the help of special files. This does not contribute to nail health. Although the surface looks smoother, the nail plate itself becomes thinner. Soon there will be absolutely nothing to align.
Improper care leads to the formation of ribbed nails on the hands. The reasons for the appearance of waves, as we have said, most often are in violation of the technique of performing manicure. Therefore, when the considered defects have already appeared, certain rules must be observed.
- Do not use acetone based nail polish remover.
- It can be coated in several layers.
- It is also worth using special tools to align the nails.
- It is necessary to file nails in one direction.
- Experts suggest abandoning the use of a metal nail file.
- It is necessary to correct the nails only when they are dry.
Do not look for a solution to the problem in these procedures.
Why are the nails ribbed on the arms or legs? Many people begin to think about the prevention of the defect in question. But there are certain procedures that will definitely be useless in treating the surface of the nail plates.
- Nail extension. Veils irregularities, but does not cure the causes of their occurrence.
- Polishing nails. Although it removes a layer of coarse cells, it also does not cure the causes of ribbing.
- Moisturizing procedures for the nail plate and cuticle are just an unnecessary waste of money on various care products. In addition, the cuticle can be so softened that in time it will become damaged at the slightest touch.
Disorders of the nail plate as an indicator of serious illness
Experts recommend every day to pay attention to the condition of their nails. After all, their appearance can report the occurrence of a serious disease, which should be subject to immediate treatment.
- Longitudinal waves report a violation of the water-salt balance and a malfunction in the urinary system.
- Fragility of the nails indicates a malfunction in the metabolism.
- Convex nails with a clouded horn structure report serious lung diseases, including tuberculosis.
- Ribbing should draw attention to the work of the kidneys.
- In the case of detection of vertical waves, it is necessary to examine the cardiovascular system.
So, we found out that you need to follow a large number of rules and carry out many preventive measures so that ribbed fingernails do not form. The causes of the considered defects lie not only in the improper performance of cosmetic procedures.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that in the case when regular and intensive care does not give the desired result, you need to contact a specialist.