Dry, Ridged Nails

Dry or ridged nails are not usually a health concern but can be an unsightly nuisance. Nails that peel or split indicate low moisture levels and can be difficult to maintain. Chipping, peeling or ridged nails may need additional grooming to create a smooth, healthy nail bed.

Symptoms

Dry nails may appear dull, cloudy or white. In some cases, cracks in dry splitting nails can allow dirt to enter in between nail layers and can cause nails to appear gray or dirty. Dry nails often peel or chip, usually at the free edge of the nail.

Ridged nails have raised lines that run from the nail bed to the fingertips. Lines are often very thin and occur on both fingernails and toenails.

Causes

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, or AOCD, dry nails are usually caused by a loss of moisture rather than a vitamin or mineral deficiency or an internal illness. Repeated wetting and drying of the nails can cause them to lose moisture and become dry and brittle. Dry heat, such as that caused by forced air heating in the winter, and low humidity contribute to dry nails as does overexposure to chemicals, such as nail polish removers or occupational chemicals. People who wash their hands often during their work day, such as nurses or day care workers, tend to experience frequent cases of dry nails. Ridged nails are often caused by age and hereditary factors. In rare cases, dry nails may be caused by medical problems such as skin disorders or malnutrition.

Treatment

Restoring moisture to the nails is the best way to treat dry nails. Soaking nails in water for five minutes then applying a lotion with alpha-hydroxy acids can restore moisture and help prevent further moisture loss. Applying a nail hardening top coat can also help nails retain moisture. According to the AOCD, supplementing with the vitamin biotin may be beneficial in some cases, but they report that calcium or gelatin is rarely helpful.

Nails with ridges can be buffed to smooth the nail bed. Ridge fillers can also be used to fill in the surrounding nail.

Complications

Dry nails can lead to painful hangnails, a condition where the nail tears into the skin around the fingernail. Because hangnails can create an opening in the skin, the risk for infection is greater. If you develop redness, swelling or pus around nails, consult your doctor.

If nails become yellow and peel, a fungal infection may have set in. Consult your doctor for treatment.

While vertical ridges are harmless, horizontal ridges may indicate an underlying condition. Consult your doctor if ridges run from the sides of your nails.

Prevention

Although ridged nails are most often the result of hereditary factors and aging, and are therefore difficult to prevent in many cases, there are steps you can take in those due to preventable factors.

You can help prevent dry nails by avoiding drying agents that can weaken your nails. Increasing humidity in low humidity environments and minimizing the number of times you wet and dry your nails can help prevent moisture loss. Wearing gloves when doing housework that involves water can help keep nails from getting wet. Using moisturizing nail cream before bedtime can help prevent dry nails due to heated air.