Streaks on the nails: Causes and Natural remedies

The stripes on the nails are cutaneous lesions that appear abruptly and their appearance reflects the state of health in which the organism is. Among the main causes of nail stripes , we find:

• Vitamin deficiency, especially group B.
• Aging of the nail.
• Frequent cuts of the cuticle.
• Trauma to the nails.

To know the exact cause that gives rise to the appearance of stripes on the nails, it must be borne in mind that there are two types. According to the way they are presented, the stripes on the nails can be longitudinal and transverse.

Stripes on vertical nails

These lines on the nail extend from the tip to the cuticle , it is necessary to mention that they appear physiologically, on some occasions, they can become more evident with the appearance of diseases such as:

• Hypothyroidism: tends to cause nail injuries such as streaking.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Lichen planus.
• Cardiovascular diseases.
• Darier’s disease: This is a genetic disorder that originates from a defect in keratinization.
• Iron deficiency

These lesions can appear in a single or multiple way, they could be very noticeable or not very pronounced. In addition to that, they can be present on one or all of the nails.

Heller’s median canaliform dystrophy is characterized by presenting a large stripe in the midline of the nail, from which branches appear as if they were an inverted pine. Frequently, it appears on the thumb or otherwise on any other finger as well.

Transverse stripes

These stripes are located from side to side of the nail , there may be one or more on the surface, this is due to the decrease in the growth of the nail. These stripes are also known as Beau’s lines and are due to:

• Trauma
• Nutritional deficit.
• Calcium and zinc deficiency.
• Consumption of cytotoxic drugs.
• The presence of a very high and acute fever.
• It can be produced by pulling the cuticle back.

Due to the suffering of some diseases such as:

• Diabetes.
• Psoriasis.
• Vitiligo.
• Atopic dermatitis.
• Lichen planus.
• Eczema.

The presence of these stripes may indicate that there is a reaction to a drug in the body.

• The presence of vertical stripes on the nails means that there may be an alteration related to age or due to disease. If it is a horizontal line, it is in the presence of a condition.
• The presence of white transverse stripes , also called Muehrcke’s, can indicate the presence of hypoalbuminemia, this is common in people with kidney problems, such as nephrotic syndrome or even malnutrition. These white streaks usually disappear when pressing on the nail.
• When we talk about brown or red stripes , it means that the capillaries in the area have ruptured and it is an indication of the appearance of some diseases called splinter hemorrhages. These indicate the presence of infective endocarditis, bacterial or fungal infections , psoriasis, or some trauma. In the same way, you may symbolize vitamin C deficiency .

Once stripes appear on the nails, you should go to the dermatologist , he will guide you according to the type of stripe present on the nails and will make the precise diagnosis to prevent the advancement of any disease in the body.

If the cause is for nutritional or vitamin reasons, restoring both requirements will be what is necessary to cover the existing deficit and restore healthy nails.

In cases of disease, the control of it with the pharmacological treatment of the specialist will be enough for the stripes on the nails to disappear.

However, you must maintain certain care in your day to day to avoid the appearance of stripes on the nails and keep them in perfect condition:

• You must dry your hands very well. Water can damage the cuticle, in addition, it increases the risk of infections when the nails are kept wet, which is why you should dry them very well.
• Avoid ingrown nails by keeping them short and straight.
• Use products that do not damage the keratin layer of the nail, since it protects it from infections caused by fungi and bacteria.
• Maintain a good cleaning of the nails: it is important to remove the dirt that accumulates on them daily.
• Do not use metal files, you should always file them from the outside to the inside.
• Hydration of the nail is important, you must do it daily with good quality moisturizing and nourishing creams.
• Increase the consumption of foods that contain vitamins A, C and E, biotin and folic acid, in this way, your nails will remain strong and healthy. In the following article, you can see good foods to strengthen nails .

Some of the home remedies that can help you keep your nails healthy and prevent the appearance of stripes or stretch marks on them are:

Olive oil

It provides essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins that strengthen and nourish the nails. With it, the appearance of stripes on the nails is avoided, in addition to stimulating their growth.

The way to use it is by immersing the nails in a container with olive oil that covers them for about 10 minutes, in this way, their nutrients will be absorbed and they will be completely impregnated with the liquid.

You can get more out of olive oil if it is mixed with garlic, the union of both strengthens the effect of olive oil. 2 cloves of crushed garlic are used in a tablespoon of oil, they are left to marinate in a container for 24 hours, then they are applied to the nails and left to act overnight.

Garlic with lemon

Through this mixture, nail stripes can be treated very successfully. Garlic with lemon stimulates the growth of the nails and strengthens them, thus preventing the appearance of infections because garlic has bactericidal and antibiotic effects.

1 clove of garlic should be crushed and boiled in a container with water. When a large part of the liquid has been consumed, the juice of 1 lemon is added. When the mixture is at room temperature, it is applied to the nails with a cotton ball, this treatment is applied overnight.

Horse tail

It is a natural remedy with excellent diuretic properties, its use contributes to strengthening the nails , allowing healthy growth due to its high silicon content.

Horsetail is prepared as an infusion: 2 tablespoons of horsetail are boiled in ½ liter of water and 3 cups of this infusion are ingested daily. It can be applied directly on the nails or by immersing them in the infusion for about 10 minutes.

Castor oil

This oil strengthens the nails due to its high content of vitamin E. Applying a few drops of this oil on the nail will quickly change its appearance.

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 Stripes on nails: why do they appear and what do they mean , we recommend that you enter our category of Skin, hair and nails .