Wavy nails are often considered normal because they occur most often in the elderly and are therefore associated with the normal aging process.
However, when wavy nails appear with other nail-related signs, such as increased nail thickness, shape change and color, or when more general symptoms such as headache, excessive fatigue, excessive thirst and pale skin appear, it is important to consult your doctor. for an assessment, because in these cases, the wavy nail can be a sign of diseases such as anemia, thrush and diabetes or it may be a sign of nutritional deficiencies.
- The appearance of lines on the nails can occur naturally as the person ages and is not a sign of disease.
- Thus.
- In addition to the undulations of the nail.
- Which are usually vertical.
- It is common for the person to start showing gray hairs.
- Weaker nails and hormonal changes.
What to do: Since aging is a natural process, there is no indication to treat nail ripples. However, it is possible to hide the lines by passing the base and sanding the nail, as in this way it is possible to improve the appearance of the nail.
Anemia is one of the main causes of nail changes, in which you can notice both the presence of weaker and brittle, opaque and certain elevated nails. In addition to nail changes, other symptoms of anemia include excessive fatigue, pale skin, and constant headaches. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor to make the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment. Learn how to identify symptoms of anemia.
What to do: It is recommended to consult your family doctor to identify the cause of the anemia, so the best treatment may be indicated. Thus, depending on the type of anemia, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, in which preference should be given to foods rich in iron or vitamin B12, the use of supplements or blood transfusions, for example. Understand how anemia is treated.
Fungal nail infection, known as onychia or onychomycosis, also causes changes in shape, thickness and color, with ripples on the nail, thicker, harder nails and a more yellowish color.
What to do: It is important to go to the dermatologist to identify the fungus responsible for the infection and, therefore, the best treatment may be indicated, which may involve the use of antifungal tablets, ointments or enamels. Treatment is usually prolonged and should be done in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations to prevent symptoms from recurring. Learn more about nail moth and its treatment.
Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals, vitamins A, B and zinc, can also cause changes in nails, including the appearance of ripples, giving the nail a wrinkled appearance. In addition, the presence of white lines on the surface of the nail, a thick cuticle and weaker nails can be checked.
What to do: In this case, it is important to identify which vitamin or mineral is in the least amount in the body and thus modify certain eating habits to improve not only the appearance of the nails, but also health. Thus, it is recommended to increase the consumption of chestnuts, white meats, fish and eggs, as they are sources of vitamins and minerals.
In some cases of diabetes, there may be a change in the process of nail growth, leading to the appearance of vertical lines, which gives an appearance of ripple. However, it is important that other symptoms are present to confirm diabetes, such as excessive thirst, weight gain and excessive urine production. Here’s how to identify diabetes symptoms.
What to do: If the person has signs and symptoms of diabetes, it is recommended to consult the family doctor or endocrinologist to make the diagnosis and start treatment, which usually involves a change in eating and lifestyle habits, including practice. physical activity and medications that help control blood sugar levels.