Vertical Ridges on Toe Nails

[Francis]

Hi

I have a client for reflexology and have been seeing her for about 4 weeks now. Just yesterday I gave her a treatment and noticed that she has vertical ridges on the nails of the big toes which have not been there before yesterday. When we studied reflexology we were told that these ridges could indicate shock/trauma but I'm not convinced that this is the case for my client as we spoke a little about any stresses she has and there are none.

There are only a few ridges - about three on one of the toes but they seem almost like a small crack which is a little darker in colour than the rest of the nail.

I was going to do a search on google but thought I would ask my fellow therapists for your advice/comments.

My client is 8 months pregnant and very healthy.

Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks

 

[EasHeeiuaa]

I think when you are taught about shock and trauma in this case, it means a physical trauma to the toe itself, i.e. she has knocked it or got it trodden on.

Lesley

 

[TomMaioaio]

Hi, well unlike you I decided to take a look on Google! And am I pleased! I am gonna share this with all of you because it is a toe-nail enquiry feast for the interested amongst you.

It would appear that these ridges are from dehydration of the nail and interestingly enough on one post somebody said it happened to her when she was pregnant, which would be my guess re your client.

Anyway, here is the link and have fun because there is every toe nail problem you will ever wish to learn about!

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-222080.html

 

[mollie]

Does your client suffer from excema? For some it can sometimes manifest itself as vertical ridges in the nail. It can also be present in people with alopecia. Is she getting all the nutrients she needs in her diet?

Edited to correct a typo, hehe.

 

[wasprettyonce]

excellent site candie thanks...
T
x

 

[Silky?Milky]

Hi Candie

Many thanks - this is a very useful sight and makes sense.

Gussie - my client doesn't have eczema so I can only think that the nails have become dry due to the pregnancy. As this is her third baby and she has not suffered from it before, I have told her that each pregnancy is different and you can experience different symptoms in each.

She is also expecting a girl - her first two were boys! Food for thought!

Thanks for your help/advice.

 

[coiodkxi]

Hmmmmm1

I was told that the vertical ridges on my nails were due to advancing years[]

 

[BlANkiTA* :D]

Paul you are right, they can be. But there is more than one cause.