Understanding the Causes and Treatments for Fingernail Ridges

4. Digestive Disorders

Because they are often the result of an illness or disorder affecting the growth of the nail, certain dietary and digestive disorders can cause nail ridges. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause pain, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss. People with autoimmune Celiac disease are adversely affected by gluten. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. All three issues can affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients from food. Without these essentials, the body may not be able to grow nails consistently or properly, resulting in nail ridges.

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