Ridges in Nails, fractured arm - Skin Problems Message Board

72and78love · 12-14-2003, 01:45 PM

I had a fractured right arm that was in a cast for a long time, almost 5 months. My thumb nail had ridges in it pretty bad and my fignernails a lil bit only on the casted arm. I think that means you are lacking a vitamin...anyone know which one? Its just odd to me that it was only on the casted arm. Thanks

Marti · 12-15-2003, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72and78love

I had a fractured right arm that was in a cast for a long time, almost 5 months. My thumb nail had ridges in it pretty bad and my fignernails a lil bit only on the casted arm. I think that means you are lacking a vitamin...anyone know which one? Its just odd to me that it was only on the casted arm. Thanks

Actually, the nail plate is just dried out on that hand, whch could be a reault of having to wear a cast for so long and not getting the nails 'wet' as you normally would. Ridging is not due to a lack of vitamins, but a lack of natural oils and moisture in the nail plate. What you are seeing as 'ridges' are actually the rails and grooves upon which the nail plate rides forward - much like a train rides forward on its tracks. When the plate becomes dried out for whatever reason, these rails and grooves become more prominent/visible as surface ridging.

Go to a Sally Beauty supply and purchase a bottle of Botanical Oil in the nail department. Apply it to the nail surface and massage into the nails and the cuticles. Do this several times a day, but always at night or after having your hands in water. Water will 'wick' the moisture from the nail plate and leave them even drier.

If you use the oil at least 3-4 times a day, you will see results within one month.

girlygirly · 12-15-2003, 07:48 AM

Line and ridges in nail are a symptom of hypothyroidism. You may want to go on the thyroid board to see if you have any other symptoms.

Marti · 12-15-2003, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by girlygirly

Line and ridges in nail are a symptom of hypothyroidism. You may want to go on the thyroid board to see if you have any other symptoms.

Hypothyroidism 'may' cause the rails and grooves of the nail bed to be seen on the surface of the nail plate; however - when it effects only ONE HAND, it is generally a sign of depleated oil and moisture levels within the nail plate itself.

If the ridging is due to an internal disorder, it would effect all 10 nails.

I have visible ridging on both thumbnails and have had since I was in my early 30's. I am now 55 years old and do not have thyroid disease in any way, shape or form. What I have is inherited (from my Mother) and does benefit somewhat by daily applications of Botanical Oil or Solar Oil. The ridges are visible to the eye, but not when I touch the nail plate surface - it is still smooth.

If the ridges run from the cuticle to the free edge vertically and not horizontially, then it is just a dry nail plate. If the ridges are horizontal, it is generally due to some sort of systemic disease, but will usually effect all 10 nails.

girlygirly · 12-15-2003, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marti

Hypothyroidism 'may' cause the rails and grooves of the nail bed to be seen on the surface of the nail plate; however - when it effects only ONE HAND, it is generally a sign of depleated oil and moisture levels within the nail plate itself.

If the ridging is due to an internal disorder, it would effect all 10 nails.

I have visible ridging on both thumbnails and have had since I was in my early 30's. I am now 55 years old and do not have thyroid disease in any way, shape or form. What I have is inherited (from my Mother) and does benefit somewhat by daily applications of Botanical Oil or Solar Oil. The ridges are visible to the eye, but not when I touch the nail plate surface - it is still smooth.

the ridges run from the cuticle to the free edge vertically and not horizontially, then it is just a dry nail plate. If the ridges are horizontal, it is generally due to some sort of systemic disease, but will usually effect all 10 nails.

Lines and Ridges is a symptom of hypothyroidism. When someone states that something is a symptom of a disease that is all it is, it doesn't 100% proof positive mean that it is that particular disease. But....other people may read this post....people with ridges in all of thier nails....and guess what a light bulb may go on and they may go to thyroid board and realise that they have many other symptoms. But indeed, many with thyroid disorders do have ridges in nails.