Repairing Ribbed Fingernails: A Simple Guide To Healthy Nails

Ridges in fingernails are common and usually harmless, especially with age. However, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. Vertical ridges are typically harmless and are the most common type of nail ridge. Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, can point to issues like malnutrition or nutrient deficiencies such as low levels of vitamins or minerals. They can also indicate a serious nail injury or underlying conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or skin conditions like eczema. If you notice ridges in your fingernails, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause and rule out any potential health concerns. Treatment for fingernail ridges focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may include changing your diet, taking supplements, or treating any skin conditions. Additionally, keeping your nails trimmed and moisturized can help, and some dermatologists suggest gently buffing nails to remove ridges.

See a doctor or dermatologist for advice

If you are concerned about ribbed fingernails, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist for advice. While vertical ridges are usually harmless and are a common sign of aging, horizontal ridges can indicate an underlying condition.

If you have horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, it is recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Beau's lines can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, illness, stress, or skin conditions. They can also be a sign of more serious conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or acute kidney disease. During your appointment, your doctor will examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you are experiencing. They may also take nail clippings for analysis if the cause is unclear.

If you have vertical ridges, it is still a good idea to see a dermatologist, especially if the ridges are causing you pain or if you are unhappy with their appearance. A dermatologist can examine your nails and provide advice on any necessary treatment. They may suggest gentle buffing to remove the ridges, or recommend that you stick to moisturising and trimming your nails.

In addition to horizontal and vertical ridges, there are other nail changes that may indicate a need to see a doctor or dermatologist. These include:

• Discoloration, especially dark brown, purple, or red spots under the nails, which could be a sign of melanoma or endocarditis.
• Nail lifting, which can be a sign of infection.
• Redness and swelling around the nail, which can also indicate an infection.
• Pitted nails, which could be a sign of a systemic disease.

Treat underlying conditions, such as diabetes or skin issues

Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past illness. They can also be caused by a nutrient deficiency. If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or peripheral artery disease, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about foot care. Your provider can help you determine the cause of your ribbed fingernails and advise you on the best course of treatment.

If you have developed Beau's lines—horizontal ridges in your fingernails—due to diabetes, successfully managing your blood sugar may reduce these ridges. Beau's lines can also be caused by peripheral vascular disease, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's phenomenon, zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, severe illness with a high fever (such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia), or skin conditions such as eczema. If your Beau's lines are caused by a skin condition, a dermatologist can prescribe a treatment plan that may include moisturisers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce symptoms.

If you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, your doctor may advise you to alter your diet or take supplements to boost your levels. Eating a varied and healthy diet can provide the body with the fuel it needs to create strong, healthy nails and prevent fingernail ridges. Biotin supplements are highly recommended to aid in nail health, and taking iron or zinc supplements, with your provider's guidance, may also help if you have a deficiency.

If you have a severe zinc deficiency or aren't eating enough protein, you may experience Beau's lines. Your nail growth should return to normal once you receive proper nutrition again. Mental and emotional stress can also affect nail health and growth, so severe emotional stress or anxiety disorders may be factors in the development of Beau's lines.

Take supplements to address vitamin or mineral deficiencies

Fingernail ridges are often harmless and are a typical sign of aging. However, they can sometimes indicate vitamin or mineral deficiencies. If you suspect that your ribbed fingernails are due to nutrient deficiencies, it is important to consult a healthcare professional who can advise you on the best course of treatment, which may include taking supplements.

Vitamin deficiencies, such as iron, folic acid, or protein deficiency, can contribute to ridges in nails. For example, severe zinc deficiency or a lack of sufficient protein in the diet can lead to Beau's lines, which are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more fingernails or toenails. These ridges indicate that an illness, injury, or skin condition interrupted your nail growth.

If you are experiencing ribbed fingernails due to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, your healthcare provider may recommend taking supplements to address these deficiencies. It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your ribbed fingernails and to receive personalized advice on the appropriate supplements to take.

Supplements can help provide the necessary nutrients to support nail health and promote the growth of smoother, healthier nails. It is important to note that treating or managing the underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiency usually allows for smoother, healthier nails to grow in. This process may take several months, as fingernails and toenails grow slowly.

In addition to taking supplements, maintaining a healthy and varied diet can also help provide your body with the necessary nutrients to support nail health. A well-balanced diet can promote strong and healthy nails, reducing the appearance of ridges.

Moisturise your nails and cut them into a curved shape

If you have ribbed fingernails, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. While you are addressing the potential causes, there are some general tips to keep your nails in good condition.

Firstly, keeping your nails moisturised is important. This is especially true in dry weather, as dry nails are more prone to splitting. Moisturising your nails after trimming them can help keep them flexible.

Trimming your nails is an important part of maintaining good nail hygiene. Nails should be kept fairly short, as longer nails are more prone to damage. Nails should be cut straight across, and then filed into a curved shape. This is because cutting nails at an angle can lead to painful hangnails. Filing your nails will help to smooth them out and prevent jagged nails from catching on clothes or other materials.

If you are experiencing redness and swelling alongside ribbed fingernails, this could be a sign of an infected hangnail, so it is important to seek medical advice.

Avoid harsh nail products and artificial nails

Ridges in the fingernails, also known as Beau's lines, are often a sign of an underlying condition. While vertical ridges are usually harmless, horizontal ridges may indicate an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment. Horizontal ridges can be caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are deep, horizontal grooves that can affect all or some of your nails and are often a sign of an injury, illness, or stress that interrupted your nail growth.

Artificial nails and harsh nail products can cause and exacerbate Beau's lines. To apply artificial nails, the surface of your natural nails must be filed down until they feel rough, thinning your natural nails and making them weaker. The chemicals used to apply artificial nails can also irritate the skin around your nails. Removing artificial nails can be even more damaging, as they often need to be soaked in acetone or filed off, which can further weaken your nails. Frequent touch-ups can also seriously damage your natural nails.

To reduce nail damage, dermatologists recommend reserving artificial nails for special occasions. This gives your nails a chance to repair themselves between applications. If you want the look of artificial nails without the damage, consider gel nails instead of acrylic nails. Gel nails are more flexible and less likely to crack than acrylic nails. When getting gel nails, ask for soak-off gels instead of gels that must be filed off, and opt for an LED curing light instead of a UV curing light to reduce UV exposure.

In addition to avoiding artificial nails and harsh nail products, you can improve the health of your nails by keeping them moisturized and trimmed. Eating a healthy and varied diet can also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to create strong, healthy nails. If you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, your doctor may recommend creams or moisturizers to reduce symptoms and promote nail health.

Frequently asked questions