The grooves on the nails are a type of irregular stripes (horizontal or vertical) displayed on the surface of the fingernails and feet when they are damaged, fragile and brittle. They can be caused by different reasons, and in addition to being very unsightly, in some cases, they are an indication of nutritional deficiencies, some alterations in the body, or the suffering of certain conditions. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to them, determine the exact cause, and start the most appropriate treatment. This FastlyHealarticle shows you some of the most effective home remedies for stretch marks on your nails to get completely healthy, strong, and beautiful pins back. Take note!
Table of Contents
Why do stretch marks appear on the nails?
Nails are made of keratin, a protein that can affect its production and quality due to different factors. When the rate of keratin production is not adequate, the nails become weaker and more brittle, and vertical or horizontal streaks or streaks (Beau’s lines) may appear on their surface. Striated nails appear with grooves and grooves, generally longitudinal, that go up from the lower to the upper part of the nail.
Next, we detail what the causes of stretch marks on the nails are and what factors are those that can lead to their appearance:
- Lack of nutrients in the diet: a diet lacking in specific nutrients, such as vitamins A and B, proteins, zinc, or iron, can cause stretch marks on the nails. Generally, horizontal lines can indicate a lack of zinc, while vertical lines could indicate a lack of iron.
- Bumps: trauma to the nails can cause damage to their surface, such as stretch marks.
- Diseases: some conditions such as hypothyroidism can cause alterations in the structure and appearance of the nails.
- Inappropriate manicures and pedicures: Poorly cut nails or the misuse of manicure and pedicure tools can end up causing stretch marks on them.
- Use of aggressive enamels and hardeners: nail cosmetics with many chemical components or very aggressive damage the health of the nails.
- Genetic factors: stretch marks on the nails also have a genetic basis, and some people are more likely to develop them than others.
Olive oil
If you want to remove stretch marks on your nails naturally, an excellent way to do it is by using olive oil. This popular product in our kitchen is ideal for strengthening the pins from the inside and thus ensuring that they do not suffer so many breaks and stretch marks appear on their surface. In addition to this, olive oil profoundly hydrates them and promotes their growth.
It is best to add olive oil to a container and soak your nails for about 10 minutes. And if you want to enhance the effects of olive oil, it is best to combine it with garlic, which also strengthens them. Place one tablespoon of olive oil in a container and add two crushed garlic cloves. Let them marinate for a whole day, then apply the mixture to your nails and cuticles at night.
Horsetail
Another of the most valued home remedies for stretch marks on nails is the one done with horsetail. Although this plant is well known for its diuretic properties, it is also excellent for nail care, as it helps to keep them strong and, due to its siliceous content, allows them to grow healthily and uniformly.
In this case, the treatment consists of preparing an infusion of horsetail, boiling two tablespoons of horsetail in 1/2 liter of water, and drinking between 2 and 3 intakes a day. You can also use it topically, placing the infusion in a container and soaking your nails there for about 10 minutes.
Milenrama
Yarrow is another medicinal plant with potent anti-inflammatory, soothing, healing, and antiseptic properties, and, therefore, it has been used as a natural treatment for various nail conditions. It will help you to eliminate stretch marks on the nails when they are already a reality and, in addition, to prevent the pins from suffering new damage or being victims of fungal infections, for example.
Prepare an infusion of yarrow by adding two tablespoons of this in 1 glass of water, and when it cools, pour it into a container and put your fingernails or toenails in it for about 10 or 15 minutes.
Castor oil
There are natural oils that are very good for strengthening nails naturally, and castor oil is one of them. The high doses of vitamin E allow the most fragile and brittle nails to be hardened and, therefore, to deal with the possible vertical and horizontal stripes on the pins that appear. In addition, it hydrates the cuticles and dramatically improves the general appearance of the nails.
Directly apply a few drops of castor oil on the surface of each nail, also affecting the cuticles, and you will see how you begin to notice the difference.
Garlic and lemon
The combination of garlic and lemon is perfect for eliminating stretch marks on the nails and, in addition, stimulating their growth. The properties of both foods are excellent for strengthening them and preventing infections from developing since garlic is one of the best natural antibiotics and bactericides that exist.
On this occasion, for ridged and brittle nails, we recommend that you crush one clove of garlic and place it in a saucepan with water. When it has boiled and consumed almost all the water, add the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon. Please wait for the mixture to cool down and apply it to the affected nails with the help of a cotton pad. Let the treatment work overnight.
Hot water with salt
Finally, we propose some of the most popular and easy-to-do home remedies for stretch marks on the nails. It is about immersing the pins in a container with hot water and a handful of salt to strengthen them, eliminate bacteria and prevent them from breaking or splitting at the slightest friction or contact.
Tips to avoid stretch marks on the nails
In addition to the natural remedies to combat stretch marks on the nails that we have mentioned above, it is essential to take into account a series of recommendations to prevent them from appearing and damaging the excellent appearance of the hands or feet:
- Don’t bite your nails.
- Always cut the nails in a straight line and do not leave them excessively short, as they could become ingrown.
- Always file the nails from the outside in.
- Avoid poor quality polishes and buy those that do not deteriorate the nails and are from recognized brands.
- Moisturize the nails daily by applying a good moisturizing and nourishing cream.
- Dry your hands well after washing them.
- Include foods rich in protein, vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid, and biotin in your diet to keep your nails healthy and strong. In the following article, you can see the best foods to strengthen nails.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies for stretch marks on nails , we recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair and nails.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.