What's With These Ridges In My Fingernails?

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease describes a condition in which an individual has a thyroid gland that does not function properly. A patient with an under active thyroid can experience manifestations that affect their nails, hair, and skin. Individuals who have a deficiency of a substance called selenium in their body are prone to developing vertical ridges in the nails. Selenium is required for the thyroid to convert a specific inactive hormone to its active form so the individual's metabolism can be regulated appropriately. Because it cannot convert this specific hormone to its active state, the thyroid gland doesn't secrete enough thyroid hormone. When there are low thyroid hormone levels in the body, the patient is considered to have thyroid disease. An under active thyroid causes the patient to have reduced blood circulation throughout the body, making it more difficult for the cells that produce the nails and hair to receive the nutrients they require. An under active thyroid also impairs the ability of the body to properly synthesize proteins due to the slowed metabolism. Adequate protein synthesis is essential for the formation of healthy hair, skin, and nails. Protein synthesis also allows the nails to grow stronger. The result of the thyroid malfunction is weak and brittle nails with vertical ridges.

Uncover a common cause of fingernail ridges now.