Dr. Cirlincione and Dr. Spielfogel Peel Back The Facts!

Ridges and Splitting on your Nails

Q: What causes those ugly ridges on my nails?

A: Vertical ridges on your nails can be a normal result of aging. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can be caused by diseases that affect the entire body, including malnutrition, heart attack, severe infections, and metabolic disturbances, including poorly controlled diabetes. A very common cause of ridges is malnutrition or malabsorption. Vitamin deficiencies cause ridges on fingernails, as the body's production of the materials in the nail is interrupted.

More facts about ridges

TAKE THE DR.’S ADVICE

• Eat a healthier diet and supplement with vitamins.
• Eat gelatin, which will also benefit your hair!
• Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to learn more about your specific condition.

Q: My nails are always SPLITTING. What’s wrong with them and how can I stop it?

A: Onychorrhexis or lamellar dystrophy, is a condition that causes horizontal splits within the nail plate. Nail splitting is often seen together with onychorrhexis – long-wise (longitudinal) splitting or ridging of the nail plate – and these 2 diseases together are called 'Brittle Nail Syndrome' Caused by the following:

• Frequent wetting and drying of the hands. Common among house cleaners, nurses, and hairdressers.
• Exposure to nail cosmetics (hardeners, polish, polish removers/solvents), gel nail procedures, and occupational exposure to various chemicals.
• Injury (trauma)
• Medical problems, including gland (endocrine system) diseases, tuberculosis, Sjogren's Syndrome, and malnutrition.
• Skin diseases, such as lichen planus and psoriasis, as well as taking oral medications made from vitamin A. here are more facts

Total Two-In-One Clear (top + base hybrid) polish can help prevent nails from splitting. It can be worn alone as a clear coat protector, or in conjunction with any shade of Dr.'s REMEDY Nail Polish

TAKE THE DR.’S ADVICE

• Wear plastic or rubber gloves.
• Keep the nails trimmed short.
• Soak your nails in water daily, (15 minutes at a time) to increase the water content (hydration) of the nails.
• Apply moisturizers, such as petroleum jelly or Eucerin to improve nail hydration.
• Avoid nail-hardening agents containing formaldehyde and acrylate.
• Visit a podiatrist