I have one strange fingernail I've always wondered about. It is paper thin and breaks every time it starts to grow. It has very deep vertical ridges, more like grooves. It's been this way for years. I had very bad excema on this finger 20+ years ago. I've read that excema can cause nail problems. Is there something I can do, or am I stuck with this. (My temporary solution is to wear one fake fingernail.)
Exzema can rob the nail bed of its natural oils and moisture. If the nail plate is not constantly 'fed' by this natural upward tidal flow of oils and moisture, it will become dried out. The result is that the nail plate will be thinner and weaker than the other nails. As for the deep grooves you are seeing; these are actully the rails and grroves upoin which the nail plate rides forward on the nail bed. The rails are on the nail bed and the grooves are on the underside of the nail plate. You might try rehydrating and conditioning the nail plate with twice daily applications of a good quality nal and cuticle oil such as Solar Oil. This is available in fine nail salons, or you could get Botanical Oil from your local Sally Beauty Supply. You can still apply it even if you are wearing an artificial overlay. It will also help the overlay to remain flexible.
