Vertical ridge on nail

[burgeke]

I began to notice that my thumbnails were growing in funny. At the base of the nail, I noticed that there were many vertical ridges. My fingernails look similar but no where near as noticable. They look normal to me. At any rate, my one thumbnail got a single raised vertical ridge which evenually cracked. It is growing in but I can still see the raised ridge. If I were to file it down, I am sure it would crack again.

Any idea what could be causing this?

Thanks

[Marti]

The nail plate rides forward on the nail bed by a series of 'rails and grooves' very similar to the way a train rides forward on its tracks. When the nail plate becomes dried out, these rails and grooves become apparent as vertical ridges in the nail plate. As the plate becomes even more dry, the ridge can casue the plate to split down the vertical center. left untreated, the nail plate can eventually separate permanently into two portions.

If you have your hands in water a lot, work with paper or textiles, or use household cleaning solutions without wearing protective gloves, the plate can become very dry. To rehydrate the nail plate, purchase a bottle of either Botanical Oil or Solar Oil. botanical Oil is available in the nail department of Sally Beauty Supply nationwide. Solar Oil is available through fine nail salons or in Ullta Cosmetic outlets nationwide. Apply and massage the oil into the cuticles and nail plate at least twice daily - more often if you do not wear protective gloves.

For more information on yournatural nails, please visit my approved website at this link: [url="http://www.hooked-on-nails.com"]www.hooked-on-nails.com[/url]