Vertical Nail Ridges

[CallMeSunny]

My finger nails are in quite a poor way these days; they are weak and badly ridged. I’d be really grateful for tips on what others use/find beneficial. My diet is good, also vitamin levels. I’m on MTX subcutaneous 25mgs and have today started Tocilizumab subcutaneous. I take calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, biotin with zinc & selenium plus Omega 3 (approved by Consultant ).

[J1707-]

I have these but have found nothing helps with ridges . Use to have lovely nails

[Deeb1764]

my nails are shocking now been told a mix of medication and conditions so now weak and ridged 🥰

[1330-30 in reply to Deeb1764]

gel nails life saver.

[CallMeSunny in reply to 1330-30]

Unfortunately they have the opposite effect for me! I’m glad you’ve discovered what works for you though…..lucky lady!

[Deeb1764 in reply to 1330-30]

N ruined my nails even more so au natural 🤪

[Runrig01]

psoriatic arthritis can cause ridges on the nails. May be worth mentioning to your rheumatologist.

[CallMeSunny in reply to Runrig01]

I have but it’s always met with a “mmmm”!

[DenMum]

My nails started severe breaking with ridges about a year ago when I started Leflunamide. My Rheumy nurse recommended me a mineral supplement, so I added a strong multivitamin and mineral tablet. After several months they are improving.

[CallMeSunny in reply to DenMum]

Interesting…I wonder which of the ingredients has helped 🤷🏼‍♀️

[DenMum in reply to CallMeSunny]

Not sure but she emphasized Minerals

[CallMeSunny in reply to DenMum]

True…but I take selenium, zinc, magnesium, calcium …..

[Susiebee31 in reply to CallMeSunny]

You may be taking minerals but they may not be in a state where they can be absorbed and utilised by your body . I’ve found reading the literature on the packets or bottles quite revealing. It will say magnesium but it depends if it’s oxide, stearate, taurate etc as to its actions or bio availability.

[Stills in reply to Susiebee31]

It’s a bit of a minefield isn’t it, I’m looking into Vit D B, magnesium and selenium and there’s so much to learn and then no matter if you find the right format and can afford it if your bodies not able to absorb and utilise it. There’s a lot of knowledge on the Thyroid HU site about Vitamins and Minerals which Im using to try and educate myself since a locum GP upon finding no cancer in 2022/3 said subclinical thyroid issue could be the problem.

[CallMeSunny in reply to Stills]

I’m in exactly the same position as you, Stills (re subclinical thyroid), and too use the Thyroid UK HU site for information about minerals & vitamins.

[Stills in reply to CallMeSunny]

I will pm you to avoid clogging this post

[Gilliancheche]

My nails are weak and split a lot but no ridges (yet?) I have started using a cuticle and nail oil which I rub into my nails each night. They seem a bit better. Maybe worth a try. But definitely mention to your rheumatology team too.

[CagneysMum]

Me too 🙁 My nails would break easily and I have ridges on my thumb nails. I take a regular collagen supplement (a powder I stir into my coffee once a day) which has definitely strengthened my nails and improved hair growth … still got the ridges though 🤷‍♀️

[CallMeSunny in reply to CagneysMum]

I do the same, but powder on my overnight oats…..maybe better to make a paste for direct application on the nails 🤣😂

[CagneysMum in reply to CallMeSunny]

😆😆😆

[AgedCrone]

I honestly think it’s the luck of the draw…usually associated with ageing!

Apparently dry skin can cause these ridges…..sometimes vitamins can help strengthen nails, but I have never seen any reports of a successful treatment for the ridges.

I guess if you have the patience piling on an extra layer of nail polish to disguise them might help visually?

[CallMeSunny in reply to AgedCrone]

I suspect you’ve hit the nail (!) on the head with your “luck of the draw” comment. Nail polish limited to rare social occasions these days. I’ll opt for a good manicure with short, neat nails 🤞.

[AgedCrone in reply to CallMeSunny]

Glad you “Got it”……😂I am what some people consider lucky with nails that grow fast & have known to substitute for a screwdriver! But they take a lot of expensive attention……especially the toe nails as I can’t bend to cut them these days….so a pedicure is an essential…not a luxury!

[cyberbarn]

I have the same problem. I have Psoriatic arthritis and when I was taking methotrexate they got a lot better. Once I stopped (had side effects) the ridges and flaking and splitting came back again.

So worth mentioning it to the rheumatologist.

[CallMeSunny in reply to cyberbarn]

Aah….I’ve been off MTX for almost 2 months (ABX..infections, possible heart/lungs issue) but recommencing tomorrow, so fingers crossed that’s the answer and the nails begin to improve again! Many thanks 🙏

[LinaM]

I have psoriatic arthritis and my nails are badly ridged . I go to a reputable salon for BIAB which is the only way they grow . It doesn’t seem to harm them and in fact stops them splitting , which was becoming a real problem to me

[CallMeSunny in reply to LinaM]

Thank you….I’ll check this out

[PAK60]

Try OPI Nail Repair, it worked for me. Didn’t significantly reduce ridges but definitely made them stronger and stopped them splitting and flaking at the ends.

[CallMeSunny in reply to PAK60]

Thanks for the tip….watch this space..

[PAK60]

Persevere with usage, took about 3-4 to notice strength improvement. It has keratin in to feed the dry nails. Good luck!

[CallMeSunny in reply to PAK60]

💅. I will. X

[Green230461]

Speak to your gp it can be a sign of vit deficiency 😉

[CallMeSunny in reply to Green230461]

Levels checked…all good. Thanks

[MadBunny]

I've been using Leighton Denny's hydraflex serum and shield and it's worked well for me. I've managed to grow them long and they are much stronger and flexible now. I still have ridges on a couple of them but not as bad as they were. It's taken a couple of months of daily use.

[HappyD34]

Hi there, this may sound daft but I’ve had ridges and weak nails for a long time until I tried Nailtiques which unfortunately their factory burnt down and the make that took over from them is Formula 2. Pop it on either as base or coat every day for a week and I promise you will see a difference. I just file down the ridges first. I’ve never looked back and I eat very healthy too ☺️. Good luck and have a nice day

Nail polish

[Alice70]

I couldn't believe how much my nails improved after been given a good dose of vitimin D3 ,I was laking in it now I just take small daily dose

[CallMeSunny in reply to Alice70]

I take D3 +MK7 (latter assists uptake into bone) in a sublingual spray form.

[Hiplucy]

I remember seeing these ugly ridges on my mother's fingernails, and now that I'm old I have them too. I have tried every kind of ridge filler imaginable, but this one really works for me. It's a nice pale pink, so I wear it as my regular polish. I was always told that vertical ridges are a natural part of aging; it's the horizontal ridges you have to worry about.

pale pink ridge filler.

[CallMeSunny in reply to Hiplucy]

Ooo….this is a distinct possibility! Thank you.

[AgedCrone]

I just read this……

“Last year, the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) warned that gel manicures can potentially cause allergic reactions. It issued a similar warning in 2018 after a rise in reactions, including swollen fingers, infections and rashes, along with nail lifting, breakage and brittleness, related to the chemicals in the products.

The polish used in gel manicures contains methacrylate, which has been linked to these reactions. The gel is “cured” under a UV lamp to harden each layer of base coat, colour and top coat. However, if the gel is not properly cured, a reaction can occur on the nails, skin and any area they touch. “It is important that people are aware of the potential risks of artificial nail products,” said BAD’s Dr Deirdre Buckley last year.

“One of the most common issues with gel nails is with overuse, and a weakening of the nail plate,” says Dr Justine Hextall, a consultant dermatologist and fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. “Over time, with persistent application of gel nails many individuals start to notice that the nail plate becomes dry, flaky and often softer and less robust.” She says that if the surrounding skin, cuticles and/or nail plate become damaged, the natural protection afforded by our nails is lost. And when the nail area is damaged, it becomes vulnerable to irritants and infection.”

It doesn’t mention nail ridges…but it is a timely warning!

[CallMeSunny in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks AC! It makes complete sense and, as you say, somewhat timely, particularly as many people (I’m told) wear them ‘back to back’.

[Cazza67 in reply to AgedCrone]

This is absolutely true, it happened to me with BIAB, my nails raised up from their bed (sounds biblical 😁) and at least half of all nails were white! They have since grown out except one which is taking longer and curves up at the end. Never again!