Noah Sinclair
Ridges in the fingernails can often be a sign of underlying health conditions, and they can appear in many different ways. For example, vertical ridges are harmless and are usually a typical sign of aging, whereas horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines, which are deep horizontal ridges that may suggest a serious condition. Beau's lines can be caused by a previous illness, injury to the nail, eczema around the nail, chemotherapy, or a lack of nutrition. Fingernail ridges can also be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, skin conditions, or even more serious ailments like melanoma or endocarditis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ridges | Vertical or horizontal lines or dents in the nails |
| Causes | Ageing, injury, skin conditions (e.g., eczema), vitamin or mineral deficiencies, thyroid disease, diabetes, malnutrition, nail infections, certain medications, or serious illnesses |
| Treatment | Focuses on resolving the underlying condition; may include supplements, medication, or topical treatments |
| Prevention | Maintain a healthy and varied diet, keep nails trimmed, moisturize nails and cuticles, and avoid biting nails or cutting cuticles |
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What You'll Learn
Thyroid disease
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past illness, or a nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges are very common, especially as you age, and are typically harmless. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can indicate issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or
Nail changes associated with thyroid disease include thick, dry, and brittle nails with visible ridges. The nails may also be soft and shiny, easily crumbling or breaking. Additionally, the skin above the nail may thicken, and the fingertip may become swollen. These changes are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as a dry and itchy scalp, hair loss or balding patches, and itchy skin without a rash.
If you notice any of these nail changes or a combination of symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor or a dermatologist, who can examine your nails, discuss your symptoms, and determine if further testing for thyroid disease or other conditions is necessary. Treatment for thyroid disease can resolve related nail problems, and addressing nutrient deficiencies with supplements may also help improve the condition of your nails.
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Nutrient deficiency
Bumpy fingernails, or ridges in fingernails, can be a sign of nutrient deficiency. While there are many causes of bumpy fingernails, including aging, injury, and various health conditions, nutrient deficiency is a common cause. This is because the body needs certain nutrients to produce the protein called keratin, which is what fingernails and toenails are made of.
One nutrient deficiency that can cause fingernail ridges is a lack of zinc. This can cause horizontal lines known as Beau's lines, as well as white spots on the nails. Iron deficiency can also lead to fingernail ridges, specifically vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails are concave, either horizontally or vertically, and can be a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia. Low calcium levels can also cause dry, brittle nails. Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect nail colour, causing a bluish or grey-brown pigmentation.
In addition, vitamin A and D deficiencies have been associated with soft nails (hapalonychia). A lack of vitamin C, along with iron deficiency, can cause koilonychia. Low protein levels in the blood can also cause horizontal white lines known as Muehrcke's lines.
If you suspect that your bumpy fingernails are due to a nutrient deficiency, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, who can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment or dietary changes.
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Skin conditions
Ridges in the fingernails are often a sign of an underlying skin condition. Treatment typically focuses on resolving the condition that is causing the nail ridges to appear. For instance, if a skin condition such as eczema is causing ridges in the fingernails, a dermatologist will try to reduce the symptoms of eczema by prescribing topical treatments. In doing so, the cells controlling fingernail creation may be healed, which would help the ridges disappear.
Eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy, and scaly skin. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the hands and nails. Eczema can cause the skin around the nails to become dry, flaky, and cracked. This can lead to nail ridges as the skin under and around the nails is essential for nail health. Treatment for eczema may include moisturisers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms.
Psoriasis is another skin condition that can affect the nails. It causes pitting, splitting of the nail plate from the nail bed, and chronic (long-term) destruction of the nail plate (nail dystrophy). Psoriasis often occurs with nail changes, including nail pitting, thickening, and crumbling. It can also cause the nails to become loose and sometimes fall off. Treatment for psoriasis typically involves addressing the underlying inflammation and managing symptoms.
Another skin condition that can affect the nails is paronychia, an infection around the nail. It is often caused by the yeast-like organism Candida and presents as inflammation (red, swollen area) at the base of the nail and changes in the nail itself. Treatment for paronychia typically involves addressing the underlying infection and reducing inflammation.
In addition to these skin conditions, other factors can contribute to nail ridges and changes. For example, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, thyroid problems, and internal diseases can all impact nail health. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Injury
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past injury to your nail. Horizontal ridges, or deep horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can be a result of trauma to your nails. This can cause red or brown spots to form underneath your nails. Beau's lines can also be caused by a previous illness, chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, or getting gel manicures for long periods.
If you experience nail changes due to an injury, you may want to wait a few weeks to see how your nail and finger heal before deciding to see a doctor. However, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible if the injury results in swelling and redness, which could indicate an infected hangnail, or an infected or ingrown nail.
If the cause of your fingernail ridges is unclear, a dermatologist may take some fingernail clippings to be analysed in a lab for signs of infection. They may also order x-rays, blood tests, or urine tests to check for other underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.
To prevent nail ridges, it is recommended to avoid biting your fingernails or cutting your cuticles. Take breaks from getting gel manicures or using artificial nails or acrylics, as these can weaken your nails and dry them out. Instead, keep your nails trimmed and moisturised, and use a nail buffer to gently smooth the surface of your nails.
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Ageing
Ridges in the fingernails are usually a sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, also known as longitudinal striations or bands, commonly develop in older adults. These are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail down to the cuticle. They are a typical occurrence due to a potential slowing of cell turnover. As we age, the production of new skin cells beneath the surface of the skin slows down, causing vertical ridges to appear as the new skin cells push the dead skin cells on the surface out.
While vertical ridges are usually harmless, horizontal ridges, or what dermatologists call Beau's lines, can indicate a more serious condition. These are deep horizontal ridges that may stop nail growth until the underlying condition is treated. Horizontal ridges are often a sign of malnutrition, serious nail injury, or an underlying illness, such as diabetes, that has interrupted your nail growth. In some cases, they may also indicate acute kidney disease.
It is important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes as they might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. If you notice new ridges or lines in your nails, consult a doctor or dermatologist, who can examine your nails and advise on a treatment plan. They may recommend treating the underlying cause of the ridges, which can help new, smooth nails to grow.
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Frequently asked questions
Bumpy fingernails are often caused by ridges, which can be a sign of ageing, or a health condition such as vitamin or mineral deficiency, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
Deep horizontal ridges are known as Beau's lines. These can be caused by a severe illness, such as COVID-19 or pneumonia, or by nutrient deficiencies, like a zinc deficiency.
Vertical ridges are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be a sign of a health condition, such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiency.
You should consult a doctor or dermatologist, who will be able to advise on any necessary treatment.
Treatment for fingernail ridges focuses on addressing any underlying health conditions. Your doctor may recommend supplements or a change in diet to boost your levels of vitamins and minerals.
