another question I forgot to ask - Nail Problems Message Board

myboysmom · 08-12-2007, 10:39 PM

Hello all. sorry I had another question I forgot to put in my other post and I don't know how to add it there so here goes. On one of my ring fingers I have a pink line going vertically with a very slightly raised vertical ridge like it slightly goes up in the middle but not real severely. I have some very pale lines in a few other nails running vertical but there only noticable on very close inspection. The pink line however is a little darker but you still don't notice it dramatically but I can definately see it there. It's funny at times it looks like it goes all the way down to the cuticle and at other times it does'nt when I turn my hand a different way almost like an optical illusion. I know this sounds crazy but that's how it looks to me. I know vertical streaks that are very dark are not good. Could this light pink line be very serious? It does not hurt. there is some slight raised ridges in other nails but this one is much more prominent. I'm sorry. I'm sure I am getting annoying but I am easily frightened. Please give any input you can.

Marti · 08-17-2007, 06:44 AM

What you are seeing as a raised ridge is actually the 'rails and grooves' upon which the nail plate rides forward o the nail bed - much like a train rides forward on its tracks. The rails are on the surface of he nail bed and the grooves are on the underside of the nail plate. As we age, the nail plate becomes dried out and these rails and grooves become more apparent. Applying a good quality nail and cuticle oil will help to rehydrate the nail plate so the ridges are not so apparent. After about age 20, we can begin seeing these, but they are not a big problem.