White longitudinal stripes on the nails. Why do longitudinal and transverse stripes appear on the nails? Causes of the appearance on the nails

White stripes and spots on the nails are called leukonychia in medicine. They represent not only a cosmetic defect, but also often indicate health problems.

Why do white stripes appear on my nails?

White stripes on nails can appear as a result of mechanical or chemical damage: unprofessional manicure, trauma nail plate, careless cutting, exposure to aggressive detergents... In such cases, the white stripe is most often observed on only one nail and does not increase in size.

If individual white dots and spots first appear on the nails, which eventually stretch into horizontal or vertical stripes, then the cause of their occurrence, as a rule, is disease or malfunction. internal organs... Consider why white stripes appear most often on the nails:

Lack of certain vitamins and minerals. May occur as a result of adherence to a strict diet, when the body does not receive the necessary substances, or in case of malfunction gastrointestinal tract when they are simply not absorbed in the required amount. Primarily on appearance nails are affected by a lack of zinc, iron and calcium, as well as vitamin B12. But violations can also be observed with a lack of other vitamins of group B, vitamins A, C, E, iodine, selenium, silicon.
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis. This disease accounts for about half of the cases of white stripes on the nails. In addition to the appearance of stripes, with a fungal infection on the nail plate, irregularities, grooves begin to appear, the nail can thicken, turn yellow, exfoliate.

In addition, the appearance of white stripes on the nails can be caused by:

nervous disorders;
disorders in the work of the pancreas, kidneys, cardiovascular system;

How to get rid of white streaks on your nails?

It is worth noting that the white stripes that appear on the nails do not just disappear, and in order for them to disappear, you usually have to wait for the nail to grow.

In case of mechanical damage, special treatment is not required, except for general measures to strengthen the nail plate.

In case of obvious fungal infection, special antifungal ointments and varnishes are used.

In all other cases, in order to reduce the white stripes on the nails, it is necessary to accurately establish the cause of their appearance and only then take appropriate measures.

White stripes on the nails (leukonychia) is a symptom characterized by pathological change the nail plate can be a sign of pathological processes in the body or manifests itself after mechanical damage.

Only a doctor can establish the exact reason why white stripes appear on the nails of the hands by conducting a physical examination and the necessary laboratory diagnostic procedures.

Etiology

Vertical or horizontal white stripes on the nails may be due to the following etiological factors:

an acute lack of minerals in the body;
or ;
gastroenterological diseases;
insufficient amount of amino acids;
kidney disease;
diseases of a fungal nature;
pathological processes in the liver;
violations hormonal background;
sharp;
frequent stress, severe nervous tension, chronic fatigue;
mechanical damage to the nail plate;
following too strict a diet;
diseases of the cardiovascular system.

The nature of the stripes and their number quite often indicates the etiological factor itself, however, only a qualified doctor can accurately establish this. It is not recommended to carry out treatment on your own, as this can lead to subsequent complications.

Classification

By the nature of the occurrence, transverse or longitudinal stripes on the nail plates on the legs or arms can be:

true- indicate changes in the structure of the nail plate or may occur due to mechanical damage;
false- indicate the development of pathological processes in the body.

By the nature of the lesion, leukonychia can be:

limited- stripes are observed on 1-2 nail plate;
total- more than 20% of the nail plates are affected, in any case it indicates disturbances in the functioning of the body.

It is advisable to immediately consult a doctor when transverse or longitudinal stripes appear on the nails of the feet or hands, for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

Since this is a symptom and not a separate disease, the clinical picture will depend entirely on the underlying factor. It should be noted that quite often the appearance of stripes on the nails is the only symptom at the initial stage of the development of the disease, which, in most cases, is not paid attention to.

With a lack of vitamins and minerals, the following clinical signs may appear:

, its unhealthy color;
and nails;
deterioration in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which can manifest itself in irregular bowel movements, periodic attacks and;
skin rashes, itching;
underweight or, on the contrary, overweight;
, growing malaise;
reduced performance.

In addition, chronic diseases, if any, can be exacerbated. Also, with a lack of vitamins, the immune system is weakened, which provokes the development of other diseases.

If the cause of the stripes on the nails is a gastroenterological disease, then the following clinic may be present:

different localization and character;
changes in the frequency of bowel movements and the consistency of feces;
, against the background of which weight loss can be observed;
dyspeptic disorders.

With pathologies in the liver, the stripes are localized in the lower part of the nail plate. A similar clinical picture may be observed with the following additions:

pain and sensation;
yellowness of the skin and sclera;
pain in the area of the affected organ can be projected onto the lower back, back.

With kidney disease, the patient may be disturbed by the following symptoms:

rapid,;
in women it is possible;
general deterioration in well-being.

In case of disturbances in the work of the nervous system, white stripes appear on the nail plate randomly in the form of small lines. Additional symptoms may include:

, frequent;
feeling tired even after a long rest;
seizures;
headache;
drowsiness, increasing weakness;

In the event that the cause of the manifestation of such a symptom is not a pathological process, but simply mechanical damage to the nail plate, then, as a rule, there are no additional signs.

Diagnostics

In this case, first of all, you need to contact a general practitioner, who, after the initial examination, if necessary, will give a referral to a highly specialized doctor. Consultation may be needed:

In addition to the initial examination, the following diagnostic procedures can be prescribed:

UAC and LHC;
general analysis of urine and feces;
endoscopic studies of the gastrointestinal tract;
Ultrasound of internal organs;
immunological studies.

The exact diagnostic program will depend on the current clinical picture and the history collected during the initial examination.

Treatment

The course of basic therapy will depend only on the underlying ailment. In this case, there is no symptomatic treatment, since the strips on the nail plates themselves do not cause any physical discomfort.

You've probably heard the expression more than once: "A person's age is determined not by his face, but by his hands." And nails are the main indicator of our lifestyle. If you notice stripes on your nail plates, then this is a signal that something is wrong in your body.

It is possible to diagnose the state of one's own health not only in medical institutions, but also independently. Take a closer look at your own health. Sometimes the condition of hair, skin and nails can tell much more than the latest diagnostic devices.

Experienced therapists know that when examining a patient, it is necessary to look at the condition of his nails. What do the stripes on the nails mean?

The appearance of spots, dots and stripes on the nails can signal negative changes in the work of some organs, and sometimes entire systems.

Therefore, having found flaws on the nail plates, do not try to hide them under a thick layer of colored varnish - consult a doctor. Early detection of the disease in 90% will be marked by successful, problem-free treatment.

Sometimes, to correct a deficiency, it is enough to think about the lifestyle and adjust it.

Stripes on nails, reasons

The stripes on the nails can be different. By looking at their direction, you can more accurately identify problems. There are two main types - longitudinal (horizontal) and transverse (going from top to bottom). Shallow white grooves can appear as one piece on the nail, or an accumulation of several small ones. They can be located both in the middle and along the edges, and sometimes all over the plate at once.

If there are longitudinal stripes on the nails

The horizontal arrangement of the grooves can occur in healthy people.

Most often, age is the reason for their appearance. It has been noticed that in people of advanced age, they can arise unexpectedly, without good reason. With similar changes in in this case will have to measure up, since age takes its toll and it is unlikely that you can somehow fight it.

Stripes can appear after a serious illness. For example, if you transferred serious treatment antibiotics or under a surgical knife. All this can negatively affect the general state of health and provoke the occurrence of such a defect in the nails. But do not be upset, usually such grooves disappear without a trace on their own.

Doctors say that most people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract complain of problems with their nails. Putting in order the gastrointestinal tract system will entail the normalization of the appearance of the nail plate.

Stress can be a significant cause of this kind of disease. In this case, rest and relaxation is the best medicine. Go on vacation, or at least spend the weekend doing nothing.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system are also sufficient grounds for the appearance of longitudinal grooves. Bringing the performance indicators of all systems back to normal helps to get rid of nail defects.

A predisposition to the appearance of stripes is observed in people suffering from psoriasis, including psoriasis of the nails, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

In medical reference books one can find diagnostics of diseases of the heart, spinal cord and arterial hypertension based on the condition of the nails. But don't try to diagnose yourself. Qualified determination and prescription of treatment is within the power of only a professional physician with extensive work experience.

Transverse stripes on the nails, reasons

The internal organs, as they can, signal us about the malfunctioning. For example, the kidneys report their problems in the form of horizontal stripes on the nail plates.

Iron deficiency or decreased hemoglobin also contributes to their appearance. In this case, the additional inclusion of iron-containing vitamins or foods in the diet will help solve the problem. It is advisable to increase the amount of apples, pomegranates, red meat and liver consumed. With a strong decrease in indicators, consult a therapist for prescribing drugs and determining the required dose and duration of treatment for vitamin deficiency.

If the analysis of your own health does not in any way fit with the condition of the nails, and you observe a single curved strip from one side to the other, then the so-called Bo strip can be the answer to your question. In the language of doctors, it appears as a result of a violation of the growth of the nail plate, as a result of the cessation of the supply of nutrients to the nail matrix. The repetition of such a failure can lead to the reappearance of the strip, which means that there will be 2,3 of them, etc. The grooves spoil not only the appearance of the nail, but also its structure. It becomes wavy, with many tubercles.

Bo's streak may be due to improper manicure. Therefore, it is very important to find a competent professional manicure master. Usually, the depth of such stripes is small, but in the event of a severe injury, their size can reach a large scale.

Bo's groove can be seen in people who are on a diet or are taking serious medications... Infectious diseases can also negatively affect the condition of the nails.

Only an experienced therapist can determine the cause of the stripes on the nails and how to treat them. Self-medication can be ineffective and dangerous.

The French believe: hands are the most truthful part of a woman, because they can tell about their mistress what her tongue will never tell. The same can be said for nails. Their condition often reflects their lifestyle and bad habits the person to whom they belong.

Problems with nails

Children often have white dots and stripes on the nails. In this case, it is a manifestation of a lack of vitamins. It is enough to balance the diet and include more fresh vegetables and herbs in the diet or drink a course of complex vitamins. It is worse if longitudinal or transverse convex stripes appear on the nail plates. This can signal serious pathologies.

Longitudinal stripes

Why do longitudinal causes sometimes appear? The reasons are most often associated with impaired blood circulation, and therefore nutrition in the area of nail growth. This is a signal that something is wrong in the body. Such defects of the nail plates can occur in two versions. In one case, they can be single and located only on one nail. Another option is that longitudinal stripes are observed on each nail plate and cover their entire surface. In this case, the reason most likely lies in the pathology of the internal organs. Some representatives of the fair sex try to disguise the longitudinal stripes that have appeared on the nails under varnish. This is not worth doing. It would be more correct to find out the reason for their appearance and correct the situation. And if you cannot cope on your own, then you need to consult a trichologist or dermatologist.

Longitudinal stripes on nails: reasons

Let's take a closer look at what such a problem may indicate.

If longitudinal stripes appear on the nails, the reasons may lie in improper cuticle processing. If the growth zone of the nail, which is located just under it, is violated, similar stripes are formed. In this case, the nutrition of the nail is disrupted, and such protruding stripes are formed.
Improper nutrition or malnutrition are the following reasons. Grooves on the nails may indicate a lack of B vitamins, iron or zinc in the body. Excessive consumption of carbohydrates and a lack of fresh vegetables and fruits lead to a similar defect in the nails.
These uneven grooves along the nail can cause serious internal diseases. For example, problems with the endocrine system. In people with diabetes mellitus or have excess weight, you can find such nails.
If longitudinal stripes appear on the nails, the reasons may lie in the incorrect functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
The next reason is a violation of the functions of the central nervous system or any damage to the spinal cord. This can be, for example, a herniated disc or a tumor.
Fungal or (psoriasis, lichen planus) are also quite common causes. In this case, grooves on the nails are most often accompanied by fragility and In addition, such discomfort like redness, itching and burning. With such manifestations, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
can also cause such stripes on the nails.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause these abnormalities.
can lead to a defect in the nail plates.
Stressful situations, emotional overstrain is also not the best way affects the condition of nails and hair.
Women who build up nail plates or use false nails may also develop longitudinal stripes on their nails. The reasons in this case are the harmful external effects of chemicals that corrode the elastic structure of the nail. The nail plate with constant such exposure can be significantly depleted.

What to do?

Why do longitudinal stripes appear on the nails? We have listed the reasons for their appearance. Now you need to establish what exactly became the source of the problem in each specific case... If it was not possible to identify the cause on your own, you need to consult a doctor. Perhaps, some studies will be assigned to identify pathologies of internal organs, for example, ultrasound, FGDS, biochemical blood test.

Most often, a specialist will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.

If the reason for the appearance of irregularities on the nail plates is associated with a disease of the internal organs, then the main therapy will be aimed at treating the disease that caused such external manifestations. Only after complete recovery will it be possible to restore healthy nails. In parallel with the main treatment, a complex of vitamins is prescribed.
If in the appearance of such a defect as longitudinal stripes on the nails, the reasons lie in fungal diseases, then antifungal agents are prescribed. Along with such treatment, it is necessary to balance the diet. A good result is ensured if therapy is accompanied by daily food intake. a large number vegetables, and especially greens.
Overweight people are more likely to have metabolic disorders. Particular attention should be paid to carbohydrate metabolism. You need to give up sweets and muffins. It would be nice to check your blood sugar at the same time.
For the duration of the treatment, it is necessary to abandon the extension of nails and false plates. Substandard nail care products must be replaced with quality ones.

Why longitudinal grooves appear on the nails, we discussed the causes and methods of treatment. Now let's talk a little about the prevention of such a manifestation.

Prophylaxis

Prevention methods are proper care for hands and nails, as well as in a balanced diet.

If you prefer to do your own manicure, treat the cuticles with particular care. If you damage the growth zone of the nail, which is just in this place, then problems with the nails will be necessary, since the blood supply is disturbed, and, consequently, the nutrition of the nail plate.
If you can't make a high-quality manicure with your own hands, use the services of a professional. When choosing a nail salon, preference should be given to a well-established one. Make sure the instruments are disinfected, or bring your own. But do not forget that your own manicure tools also need to be disinfected after each use.
Care products must be of high quality. In case of nail defects, it is best not to use varnish for a while.
The diet must contain fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. But it is better to refuse sweet and starchy foods. Fatty foods should also be limited.
It is necessary to take a course of complex vitamins at least twice a year. This will improve the condition of your skin, nails and hair.

Home remedies for nails

In conclusion, a few people's councils for nail care:

It is useful to do warm nail baths with sea salt solution at least twice a week. This advice is especially useful for those who have weak nail plates.
It is useful to wipe your nails with a lemon wedge. This product will help whiten your nails.
If you wipe your hands and nails daily olive oil, this will also give positive results.

Noticing the initial stage of the disease on the nails, we immediately try to quickly mask the disease from prying eyes. This is fundamentally the wrong approach. After all, the main thing is not how we look in the eyes of others, but what is the cause of the problems and how not to start the disease and avoid complications.

Longitudinal stripes appeared on the nails. What does it mean? Let's try to figure it out. Longitudinal stripes on the nails of the hands can signal malfunctions of internal organs, hormonal imbalance, weakened immunity, nail fungus. There may be several reasons and treatment, respectively, will depend on the diagnosis.

Longitudinal stripes on the nails of the hands: reasons, photo

Let's consider the main causes of longitudinal stripes on the fingernails. They may indicate a serious malfunction in the human body, or they may simply age-related changes... Older people may notice such stripes on their nails. Do not be afraid, this is a natural phenomenon. Although in young people it is often possible to observe such a disease as white longitudinal stripes on the nails.

Why do longitudinal stripes appear on the nails:

hormonal disruption of the body;
metabolic disease;
diseases of the intestines, stomach, pancreas;
vitamin deficiency (especially a lack of iron, zinc, B vitamins);
infectious diseases;
stress, overwork;
decreased immunity;
cardiovascular diseases;
arthritis, gout.

Along with such serious diseases, it is possible to note the appearance of longitudinal stripes due to improperly done manicure, when the nail plate was damaged. In this case, there is no cause for concern. The problem will naturally disappear after a while.

It has long been noted that nail problems mostly affect women than men. This is due to the fact that the fair sex devotes a lot of time to manicure, while inadvertently damaging the nail plate.

Only a doctor will tell you what the longitudinal stripes on the nails mean. Based on the above reasons, we can conclude that tests and treatment are indispensable.

It happens that the longitudinal stripes pass themselves after a while. Then no additional treatment is required. But if they bother for a long time, it is worth thinking about the reasons and healing.

How to treat longitudinal stains on nails?

Why do longitudinal stripes appear on the fingernails? Pay attention to your food. How often do you eat fiber and dairy products? Do you have other signs of vitamin deficiency: hair loss, brittle, peeling nails?

Maybe it's a matter of improper nutrition and a lack of such important vitamins and minerals as: vitamin B (especially B12), C, zinc, chromium, iron? In this case, your first priority is to tidy up your diet and think about purchasing good multivitamin complexes. The measures taken will strengthen the immune system, normalize metabolism, and improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

The rest of the causes can only be cured by a doctor. You should not put your health at risk and ignore additional symptoms of the disease, along with longitudinal stripes on the nails. A visit to the doctor's office is already half of the road to recovery.

In addition to taking vitamin complexes inside, external treatment with useful substances will not be superfluous. Nail oils are ideal for this. They are just a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. In addition to getting rid of longitudinal stains, they will also strengthen the nails, add a glossy shine to them and get rid of nail fungus. Which oil to choose? The choice is yours. For a start, you can focus on a pleasant smell.

There are 2 types of oil: vegetable (base) and essential. Both oils are good for nails and can be used alone, but blending them is the best medicine for weakened, shine-free nails. In addition, you can additionally add vitamin E capsules, which is rightfully considered a "beauty vitamin".

Why are there longitudinal stripes on the nails? Maybe the reason is inadequate hand care? In this case, healing hand baths will help. There are many recipes for such procedures. The most useful hand bath with sea salt solution. Two tablespoons of sea salt per liter of warm water. Lower your hands for 20 minutes, then dry with a towel and spread nourishing cream. This mask effectively fights weak and brittle nails.
Rubbing your nails with lemon daily will whiten and strengthen your nails. You can use instead of lemon essential oil lemon, and the effect will be doubled.
Rubbing with base oils is the most common method for treating nail problems. They do not need to be specially purchased, they are always at hand. The most healthy oil considered olive. Rubbing nails with olive oil daily will affect their strength and appearance.

Prevention of the appearance of longitudinal stripes on the nails

Prevention of nail problems is known to everyone:

Don't trust your nails to an unskilled manicurist. In addition to damaging the nail plate, it can "reward" you with fungus. Trust your nails only the best masters or do your own manicure at home.

Do not paint your nails with regular nail polish if longitudinal stripes have begun to appear. Better to use special medicated varnishes.
Introduce healthy foods into your diet: vegetables, fruits, dairy products. Drink plenty of water.
Start treatment with a multivitamin complex. Only preference should be given to natural vitamins, and not artificial ones, which will not be beneficial, and sometimes, on the contrary, are toxic.
Remember to pamper your nails with firming oils, baths and nourishing creams.

Outcome

We hope that we have answered the question: what do the longitudinal stripes on the fingernails mean? It is always unpleasant to notice the symptoms of a disease in oneself. This can be unsettling and stressful for a long time. Therefore, do not forget to go through a medical examination once a year. Such activities track diseases in a timely manner and prevent their further spread. Take care of yourself and then you will be provided with many years of life.