Ridges on my poor toenails!
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free skin care · Fri Jul 20, 2007 3:49 pm

I have noticed more and more lately that my toenails are developing really bumpy, pronounced ridges that make their texture very different from what it used to be. There's no fungus or discoloration or anything, the nails are just "rougher" than they were a few years ago. And my fingernails are still the same as ever, without increased ridge-ness.

Anyone know what causes this, or how to fix it? I suppose I could get one of those nail-buffing files, but I'm too lazy to do that on my toenails for the rest of my life - I'd rather figure out the cause! My mom used to have a nervous habit of picking at the cuticle on her thumb and index finger, and the nails grew in really horribly bumpy and ridged as a result - but I haven't subjected my poor tootsies to anything like that - I barely even wear pointy-toed shoes or high heels because I can't stand to be that uncomfortable! Any advice would be appreciated - I worry that they're only going to get worse with time. They're not falling off or anything, they just feel weird, and I don't want it to worsen to a point where they seem to have cracks in them like my boyfriend's fungus-ridden toenails! Shock

free skin care · Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:51 pm

Me too!! I have no idea what causes it. My fingernails are fine but my toenails have ridges that you can see!! I have no idea what causes it. Hope we can find out.

Deb

free skin care · Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:57 pm

I keep wondering if maybe it's being enclosed in shoes all day, maybe something about not getting enough air/oxygen/sun - but then I've worn sandals for most of the summer so far, and while I like to keep my toenails painted during sandal seasons, I've been incredibly crazy and stressed until recently (just moved) and have barely had time to wash my face every night, let alone extras like polish my toes. So they've been "breathing" fine for at least a month, and they still seem to have worsened recently! It's so weird.

I really hope someone out there can chime in and offer up an idea or two - I might start using the fungus remedy I made for my boyfriend's toenails, even though I don't see any other symptoms, just in case this is Step 1 in a succession of toenail fungus symptoms or something. For those interested, I made an oil mixture containing neem, tea tree, and lavender in an EVOO base, and it seems to be slowly but surely clearing up his fungusy problem.

free skin care · Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:20 pm

From what I have read it is from dry nails. Try massaging some oil into them nightly. If you wear polish on your toes it can cause the nail to dry out, become brittle and develop ridges. My finger nails get that way when I have used too much detergent cleaning my house. Rolling Eyes

Why don't you use a buffer to remove the ridges and try the oil to keep them smooth. There are so many oils out there that you can use.

Better yet treat yourself to a pedicure. Very Happy

free skin care · Fri Jul 20, 2007 8:38 pm

Ahhh that could be it. I wear polish a lot and certainly have been since the weather has gotten warm.

I will start doing that to see if it helps.

Deb

free skin care · Sat Jul 21, 2007 12:41 am

Hm, that would make sense - and I often moisturize my cuticles on my fingernails, but rarely those of my toenails. Good idea, too, about buffing down the ridges and then starting treatment, so I know if it works! I like that nice scientific approach! Much better than leaving one set of toenails unanointed as a control group. Laughing

Thanks, Winnie!

free skin care · Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:15 am

I get those ridges on my toenails and sometimes my thumbs if i haven't taken care of my cuticles...maybe i should start using the cuticle cream on my toes!

free skin care · Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:15 am

My doctor said Problems with toenails can be a warning of many different health problems or disease.
Nail changes will occur before other symptoms start.

free skin care · Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:12 am

That makes sense - candida problems are often only manifested in toenail symptoms, but really they affect the whole body. But this doesn't seem like anything of that sort, as they're not discolored or anything - just mildly ridged. I'm trying to oil them every night now. Do you guys think a cuticle cream like Burt's Bees Lemon Butter would work OK for this? That's what I'm using right now.

free skin care · Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:20 am

ginnielizz wrote:

Do you guys think a cuticle cream like Burt's Bees Lemon Butter would work OK for this? That's what I'm using right now.

That's exactly what i've been doing the last couple nights! I tend to ignore my feet especially since I don't like being slimy when under my blankets, and i don't want to wear socks to bed during warm summer nights! I find if I put it on while watching tv or something before going to bed works just fine, and if I remember in the mornings, i might do it then too.
My cuticles are less rough, but i think it's going to take longer to see results compared to my fingernails as the skin is thicker.

free skin care · Mon Jul 23, 2007 10:58 am

I have used Decleor Aromessence Ongles - Nail Treatment Oil in the past and my nails do look very healthy and shiny when I use this oil. EDS sells it.

My feet need tending, so, I usually apply rose oil (any oil would do) and then a cream mixed with prolagene. I do it twice a day - once in the morning and once before I go to bed.

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