🖐Do you have Vertical Nail Ridges? [Causes & Treatment]🖐

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Tom Biernacki explores the causes of nail ridges, including vitamin deficiencies, illness, and injuries. He offers practical remedies such as using nail-friendly polish, avoiding acetone-based removers, and ensuring vitamin intake. Dr. Biernacki also suggests natural treatments like apple cider vinegar soaks and moisturizing with beeswax, coconut oil, and Vaseline. For persistent nail issues, he recommends consulting a podiatrist and emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle for nail health.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Tom Biernacki, a foot doctor, discusses various causes for nail ridges and offers remedies.
• 🥗 Vitamin deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins, D, C, and biotin, can lead to ridges on nails.
• 🌱 Understanding nail anatomy is crucial, with the nail matrix being the growth center for nails.
• 📈 Nail growth rate varies, with fingernails growing faster than toenails, averaging 1.2mm per month.
• 🤒 Illness and stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, can cause nail ridges.
• 🏥 Conditions like diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, heart problems, and hypothyroidism can affect nail health.
• 🧪 Severe skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can cause nail ridges due to skin irritation.
• 💅 Injuries to the nail matrix from harsh manicure practices can result in ridged nails.
• 🛒 Recommends using nail polish and removers that are nail-friendly to prevent damage.
• 🍊 Emphasizes the importance of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, C, D, and biotin for healthy nails.
• 🧴 Suggests home remedies like apple cider vinegar soaks, beeswax, and coconut oil for nail care.
• 🐟 Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly from cold water fish, are beneficial for nail health.
• 💊 Biotin supplements can promote healthier, stronger, and faster nail growth.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is discussing the causes of ridges on nails and providing remedies to address them.

What are some possible causes for ridges on nails according to the script?

Some possible causes for ridges on nails include vitamin deficiencies, illness, stress, severe skin conditions, and injuries to the nail matrix.

Which vitamins are mentioned in the script as potentially causing ridges on nails if deficient?

Vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin C, and biotin are mentioned as deficiencies that could cause ridges on nails.

What is the nail matrix and what role does it play in nail growth?

The nail matrix is a part of the nail anatomy that contains stem cells responsible for the continuous growth of the nail, similar to a train on tracks.

How much does the average nail grow per month according to the script?

On average, the nail grows about 1.2 millimeters per month.

What are some illnesses or conditions mentioned that could cause ridges on nails?

Illnesses or conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, heart problems, and hypothyroidism could cause ridges on nails.

What are some remedies suggested in the script to improve nail health?

Some remedies suggested include using nail polish that is friendly to nails, avoiding acetone-based removers, getting B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, apple cider vinegar soaks, beeswax, coconut oil, and Vaseline.

Why is it recommended to avoid acetone-based removers according to the script?

Acetone-based removers can dry out the nails, making them white, chalky, and creating ridges.

What is the role of omega-3 fatty acids in maintaining nail health as mentioned in the script?

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are important for maintaining nail health, and they should make up the vast majority of the fatty acids in supplements.

What is the significance of biotin in nail health as discussed in the script?

Biotin is an important vitamin that recent studies show can help grow nails back healthier, stronger, and faster.

What action is suggested if the suggested remedies fail to improve nail ridges?

If the suggested remedies fail, the script suggests seeing a podiatrist, especially if one is in the Michigan area.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Understanding Nail Ridges and Vitamin Deficiencies

This paragraph introduces Tom Biernacki, a foot doctor, who discusses the causes of nail ridges and the importance of vitamin deficiencies in nail health. He emphasizes the role of vitamins B, D, C, and biotin, and provides a basic understanding of nail anatomy, explaining how the nail matrix works and the average growth rate of fingernails and toenails. Tom suggests that deficiencies can lead to ridges and slow nail growth, and he promises to discuss remedies later in the video.

05:02

🤒 Health Conditions and Remedies for Nail Ridges

The second paragraph delves into how health conditions and illnesses, especially during stressful times like the COVID pandemic, can cause nail ridges. It mentions specific conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, heart problems, and hypothyroidism, which should be addressed by a doctor. Additionally, the paragraph covers skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and how injuries to the nail matrix can result in ridges. Tom then offers remedies such as using nail-friendly polish, avoiding acetone-based removers, ensuring adequate vitamin intake, and using apple cider vinegar soaks to improve nail health.

Keywords

💡Ridges on nails

Ridges on nails refer to the horizontal lines or grooves that appear on the surface of fingernails and toenails. In the video, they are discussed as a potential sign of underlying health issues or vitamin deficiencies. The script mentions that these ridges can be caused by a variety of factors, including vitamin deficiencies, illness, stress, and injuries to the nail matrix.

💡Vitamin deficiencies

Vitamin deficiencies are a lack of essential vitamins that the body needs to function properly. The video script highlights that deficiencies in vitamins B, D, C, and biotin can lead to ridges on nails, as these vitamins play a crucial role in nail growth and health. The importance of addressing these deficiencies to improve nail condition is emphasized.

💡Nail matrix

The nail matrix is the area at the base of the nail where nail growth originates. It is likened to 'stem cells' in the script, responsible for the continuous growth of the nail. Understanding the function of the nail matrix is key to comprehending how ridges can form as a result of injuries or deficiencies affecting this area.

💡Illness

In the context of the video, illness refers to health conditions that can impact nail health, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, heart problems, and hypothyroidism. The script suggests that these illnesses can cause ridges on nails, indicating that maintaining overall health is important for nail care.

💡Stress

Stress is discussed in the video as a factor that can affect nail health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. High stress levels can lead to ridges on nails, indicating the interplay between mental health and physical symptoms like nail conditions.

💡Skin conditions

Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema are mentioned in the script as causes for ridges on nails. These conditions can irritate the skin and potentially affect nail health. The video suggests that managing skin conditions is part of maintaining healthy nails.

💡Nail care remedies

Nail care remedies encompass a range of treatments and lifestyle changes suggested in the video to improve nail health. These include using nail-friendly polish, avoiding acetone-based removers, and ensuring adequate vitamin intake. The remedies are presented as practical solutions to address nail ridges and promote nail health.

💡Vitamin B

Vitamin B is a group of vitamins that play a significant role in various bodily functions, including energy production and cell metabolism. The script specifically mentions the importance of B vitamins for nail health, suggesting that a deficiency can lead to ridges and recommending their intake through diet or supplements.

💡Apple cider vinegar soaks

Apple cider vinegar soaks are recommended in the video as a home remedy for improving nail health. The script describes the process of soaking fingers or toes in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and lukewarm water, which is believed to kill bacteria and fungi, and provide nutrients and minerals to the nails.

💡Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that are beneficial for overall health, including skin and nail health. The video script discusses the importance of obtaining these acids from diet or supplements, highlighting their role in maintaining healthy nails and cautioning against low-quality supplements.

💡Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a vitamin that is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails. The script points out recent studies showing biotin's role in promoting the growth of stronger and healthier nails, suggesting it as a potential remedy for ridges and other nail issues.

Highlights

Ridges on nails can be a sign of easy-to-fix issues or more dangerous conditions.

Remedies for nail ridges will be provided to ensure health and save money.

Vitamin deficiencies, particularly in B, D, C, and biotin, can cause nail ridges.

Nail anatomy includes the nail matrix, which is crucial for nail growth.

Fingernails grow about one and a half times faster than toenails.

Illness and stress, especially during the COVID pandemic, can lead to nail ridges.

Certain medical conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism can cause nail issues.

Severe skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can result in nail problems.

Injuries to the nail matrix from external factors or work can damage nails.

Harsh manicure practices can dry out nails and create ridges.

Using toenail polish and removers that are nail-friendly can prevent ridges.

B vitamins, found in greens and vegetables, are essential for nail health.

Vitamin C, available in citrus fruits, is important for overall health and nail quality.

Vitamin D deficiency is common and can be addressed with supplements and sunlight.

Apple cider vinegar soaks can improve nail quality by killing bacteria and providing nutrients.

Beeswax application can moisturize and protect nails from damage.

Coconut oil and Vaseline are cost-effective home remedies for nail health.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold water fish, contribute to nail health.

Biotin is a vitamin that can help grow back nails healthier and stronger.

If all else fails, consulting a podiatrist for nail issues is recommended.

Transcripts

- This is Tom Biernacki,

and do you have ridges on your nails?

It can be some easy to fix stuff

or it could be some dangerous stuff, but wait till the end

'cause we're gonna give you some great remedies

and we're gonna make sure you're doing great

and saving some money.

We're starting now.

(bright music)

So there's a lot of causes for why you'd have ridges

on the nails and the toenails because hey,

I'm a foot doctor, and for some of these more serious ones,

if you're in Michigan, come see us in our Metro Detroit

clinics and we'd love to help take care

of your toenail problems and your fingernail problems.

Let's get to it.

So number one is vitamin deficiencies.

So studies in 2018 and 2022 show that if you're deficient

in vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin C, biotin,

all these different things can cause your toenails

to stop growing and your fingernails.

So what's important here is let's learn a little bit

about nail anatomy.

So on the fingers, right here, if we look at the side view,

you have something called your nail matrix.

This isn't like the Keanu Reeves movie.

This is stem cells that continuously grow your nail.

So like a train on train tracks, the nail grows out.

How fast does it grow?

It grows about one and a half times faster

on the fingernails, and you know, about 50% slower

on the toenails, but on average, it's a grain of rice

on the toenails in length in about three or four months

is what I usually tell people.

On average, that's 1.2 millimeters per month

is the official scientific fact that I've seen.

So if you have a deficiency, that's gonna stop your nails

from growing.

You're gonna have ridges, they're gonna come out slow,

and you wanna make sure you're getting those vitamins

and we'll talk about that in a little bit.

Number two is illness.

If you're sick, if you're under a lot of stress,

that could do it too.

So especially in the days of COVID,

it's a lot of stress on people.

We're gonna see a lot of ridges on the toenails

and the fingernails if you've gotten illness.

So big ones are diabetes, peripheral arterial disease,

heart problems, hypothyroidism.

So these are all conditions that a doctor

should help you with.

So make sure if you have those, that could be a clear cause.

So get diagnosed if you're worried about those.

Severe skin conditions, so psoriasis can cause it for sure.

It's very common, psoriasis, eczema.

So any type of irritation to your skin, if your skin's red,

you know, if you're irritating your skin,

washing dishes too much, irritating it, that could cause it,

and we'll talk about that in some remedies soon.

And the number one thing is injuries to your nail matrix.

So if I drop something on my toe, if I jam my finger,

if I'm working hard at a factory with my fingertips,

if I'm a dishwasher that's always washing with my hands

and my fingers are damaged from all that water,

that could do it, and that's where we're gonna start getting

into remedies.

So the number one thing I see is ladies with manicures,

there's harsh removers, and specific types of paints

can really dry out the nail.

They make it white and chalky

and create ridges on the nails.

So the big thing here is number one, get toenail polish

that's friendly and I link some below.

There's a couple healthy brands.

They're not that much more expensive in today's age.

You just gotta make sure you're picking the right ones.

And number two, don't use acetone-based removers.

So acetone can really dry out the nail.

So some removers down there,

that's a great remedy, couple bucks.

I'm not saying it doesn't have to be

like a hundred plus-dollar paint or anything like that,

but that's the single biggest thing.

Number two remedy is you wanna make sure

you get your B vitamins.

So B vitamins are in a lot of foods,

specifically if you're eating your greens and vegetables

in a very diet, you're gonna be getting your vitamin B.

So make sure you eat lots of greens, lots of vegetables,

that's gonna help out quite a bit.

Vitamin C, so vitamin C, this is in foods like oranges,

this is in supplements.

So this is very important for like cold and flu season

as well so always make sure you're getting enough vitamin C.

Eat your citrus fruits.

You know, when you drink your teas, put some lemon in it

or buy yourself some oranges at the grocery store

next time you're out there.

Vitamin D, so me here being in Michigan, no one gets enough.

I think something like 85% of people

in Michigan are vitamin D deficient.

That means 85% of people can have nail ridges.

So make sure you get a vitamin D supplement.

Make sure you spend at least five to 10 minutes out

in the sun and you can absorb some of those rays.

Apple cider vinegar soaks.

So realistically, buy yourself some apple cider vinegar,

pour it into a lukewarm water bath,

and let it just sit for 10 minutes.

Stick your fingers in there while you watch some Netflix,

you know, some good TV shows on right now,

or stick your toes in there.

You know, apple cider vinegar, number one, kills bacteria,

kills fungus, can help with your fungus,

and it can help provide some nutrients and some minerals.

There's a lot of stuff like iron inside apple cider vinegar.

I talked about that in another video at length,

but 10 minutes a day can really help your nail quality.

Another thing you can do, bees wax.

So strong wax, putting that on your fingernails

can make a big, big difference.

It helps moisturize your nails, especially if you're

always sweating or if you're washing dishes

and always getting your hands wet.

Getting that wax on your fingertips makes a huge difference.

So I always recommend people do that in the beginning

of the day or if you're exposed to harsh elements.

That really moisturizes the skin.

Coconut oil is another one.

So if you have coconut oil, just get some coconut oil

on there, you know, that can make a big difference.

Vaseline can make a big difference.

So get some of those moisturizers on there every day.

It's cheap, it's easy, it's a great home remedy.

If you have nail problems such as toenail fungus,

we have guides linked down in the show notes.

We have guides for psoriasis nails, splitting nails,

black nails, toenails coming off, bleeding under the nails.

So if you have any of these problems,

check down in the show notes, we have a ton of nail guides,

including ingrown toenails and the supplements

for your guide.

So check it out below.

And omega-3 fatty acids.

So your cold water fish, your salmon, you know,

I could name a lot of different fish,

but make sure you're getting your omega-3 fatty acids.

It is an expensive supplement.

So studies do show, and here's the big thing is,

there are two important components in omega-3 fatty acids,

which are the DHA and the EPA.

So these are the actual fatty acids.

Some of these crappier supplements are like 90% bad fats

and only 10% of those good fats.

So make sure when you're buying one, do your research.

Make sure that the omega-3's actually make up the vast

majority of the fatty acid.

Otherwise, you're just drinking bad fat

and you're putting on weight and that's making it

even more unhealthy.

That's the big problem.

There's a lot of crappy omega-3's out there.

Get it from the fish if you can, but if you buy

a supplement, make sure the vast majority is made up

by those good omega-3 fats.

Biotin is another important vitamin.

This is one that studies recently are showing

can make a dramatic difference in helping grow

back nails healthier, stronger, and faster.

So if you need to consider biotin as well.

And if that all fails, come see a podiatrist like me.

If you're in a Michigan area, we'd love to see you,

but the thing is we wanna make sure you're doing healthy.

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