Noah Sinclair
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can indicate different things. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They are a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical ridges | Sign of ageing, iron deficiency, or improper nail care |
| Horizontal ridges | Beau's lines, caused by an illness, injury, skin condition, severe infection, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies |
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What You'll Learn
Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau’s lines. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They’re a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth.
According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to ageing. But they can also be a sign of improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition. Certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails. Other vitamins that can contribute to the health of your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D.
Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail down to the cuticle. They are sometimes called longitudinal striations or bands. 2015 research found that slight vertical ridges in fingernails often develop in older adults, possibly due to a slowing of cell turnover. This is when new skin cells produced below the surface of your skin rise up to take the place of discarding dead cells from the surface.
Onychorrhexis is a condition that is more likely to be caused by age and is mainly a cosmetic condition.
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Horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition
Horizontal ridges in your nails are called Beau's lines. These are usually deeper than vertical ridges and can be a sign of malnutrition, a serious nail injury, or a chronic condition. Beau's lines are often linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.
While vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, horizontal ridges can indicate a more pressing medical condition. Beau's lines are a separate condition from onychorrhexis, which is mainly a cosmetic condition caused by ageing.
If you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again. Your healthcare provider or dermatologist may diagnose Beau's lines by examining your nails and taking a health history. The thickness and number of Beau's lines can also provide clues about the cause. For example, a single Beau's line on one nail may indicate an injury that affected only one finger or toe, while Beau's lines on all of your nails can mean that an illness or stress caused them.
Certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nail health. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails. Other vitamins that can contribute to nail health include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D. According to 2018 research, biotin is also highly recommended to aid in nail health, but more research is needed to understand the full extent of its benefits.
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Beau's lines are horizontal ridges that can be caused by injury or skin condition
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can be caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They are a sign that an illness, injury, or skin condition has interrupted your nail growth. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again. Beau's lines can be caused by a single injury to one finger or toe, or by an illness or stress that affects all of your nails. Multiple Beau's lines on each nail may mean that an injury or trauma happened more than once. Beau's lines are usually deeper than vertical ridges and are often linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.
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Ridges can be caused by vitamin deficiencies
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can be caused by vitamin deficiencies. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They're a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth.
According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to ageing. But they can also be a sign of improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition. Certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails. Other vitamins that can contribute to the health of your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D. According to 2018 research, biotin is also highly recommended to aid in nail health, but more research is still needed to understand the full extent of its benefits.
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Ridges can be caused by improper nail care
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can be caused by a variety of factors. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They're a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
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Frequently asked questions
Creases in nails, also known as Beau's lines, are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be caused by malnutrition, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or a more serious medical condition.
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They can affect all your nails or just a few, such as your thumbs and big toes.
Beau's lines are often linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. They can also be caused by an injury, illness, or stress.
Treating the underlying cause of Beau's lines will allow new, smooth nails to grow again. Your doctor might prescribe medications to treat the underlying condition, such as iron supplements, or adjust your current medications.
