Ava Monroe
Ridges in your nails can be harmless, but they can also indicate a health condition or nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that can appear due to a previous illness or a condition that interrupts nail growth. Fingernail ridges can also be caused by repeated trauma to the nails from manicures and pedicures, nail polish removers, and cuticle softeners. Treating the underlying cause of ridges can help improve their appearance and allow for smoother, healthier nails to grow in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Vertical, Horizontal |
| Cause | Ageing, nutritional deficiencies, skin conditions, injury, chemotherapy, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's disease, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, gel manicures, artificial nails, nail polish remover, cuticle softeners, dry skin, dehydration of the nail plate, thyroid disease, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis |
| Treatment | Moisturiser, skin cream, cotton gloves, cotton socks, medication, supplements, buffing, trimming, varied and healthy diet, nail priming emery board, topical treatments |
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Ageing
Ridges in the fingernails are often a sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, or longitudinal ridging, are usually age-related and are commonly seen in older adults. This is possibly due to a slowing of cell turnover.
While vertical ridges are usually harmless, they can sometimes be caused by decreased circulation to fingertips, stripping nails with solvents during manicures, tumours, or certain dermatological conditions. Iron deficiency can also cause vertical nail ridges, as well as koilonychia (spoon nails).
Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, are often a sign of an underlying condition. These can be caused by something interrupting nail growth, such as chemotherapy, damage from using artificial nails or getting gel manicures for long periods, injury to the nail, peripheral vascular disease (PAD), severe illness with a high fever, or nutritional deficiencies. Beau's lines may also be a symptom of acute kidney disease, diabetes, or psoriasis.
If you notice ridges in your fingernails, it is important to talk to your doctor so they can help determine the cause and advise on treatment if necessary. While ridges are usually harmless, they can sometimes be the first sign of a serious medical problem.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past illness or a nutritional deficiency. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, like the center of the nail was scooped out. You may be able to hold a drop of water on your spoon-shaped nail. If your toenails are also peeling, it might be a sign of iron deficiency.
Zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency can cause Beau's lines and white spots on your nails.
Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) deficiency
Vitamin B9 deficiency may cause vertical fingernail ridges.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause changes in your nails, including discoloration.
Protein deficiency
Protein deficiency may cause vertical fingernail ridges.
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Skin conditions
Fingernail ridges are often harmless and are usually a sign of aging, caused by a slowing of cell turnover. However, they can also indicate other health problems. For instance, Beau's lines are horizontal ridges that may indicate serious conditions such as acute kidney disease, severe infections, diabetes, malnutrition, or nutritional deficiencies. If you experience symptoms like texture changes, this may be caused by a medical condition such as trachyonychia (twenty-nail dystrophy), which can stop nail growth until treated.
Onychorrhexis, a separate condition from Beau's lines, causes vertical ridges in the nail, resulting in nails with vertical grooves that feel bumpy. While onychorrhexis is typically attributed to aging and is mainly cosmetic, it can sometimes be linked to other health conditions. If you experience pain, fatigue, or other symptoms alongside nail changes, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Nail ridges can also be caused by improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or certain skin conditions. For example, ridges may be caused by skin conditions like eczema, which can be treated with moisturizers or topical ointments. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, can lead to vertical ridges. Maintaining proper nail care, such as moisturizing and trimming, is essential, and consulting a dermatologist is advised for further guidance.
Some underlying health conditions associated with fingernail ridges include Witkop syndrome, a hereditary genetic disease causing vertical nail ridging, and rheumatology diseases like gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and systemic sclerosis, which affect the joints and cause deformities, including nail problems. Systemic amyloidosis, a rare disease involving amyloid protein buildup, can also affect nail health. Additionally, nail trauma, such as injury, picking, or exposure to strong chemicals, can damage the nail matrix and impact nail growth.
Ridges in Fingernails: What Do They Mean?
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Health conditions
Ridges in your fingernails can indicate a variety of health conditions and nutrient deficiencies.
Vertical Ridges
Vertical nail ridges, also known as longitudinal ridges, are often a typical sign of aging. They are more common in older adults and menopausal women. These ridges are caused by a decrease in the body's keratin production and hormonal imbalances. However, they can also be caused by nutritional imbalances, leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For example, an iron deficiency can cause koilonychia, or spoon nails, which feature a depression in the middle of the nail. Zinc deficiency can also cause vertical nail ridges, along with white spots on the nails.
Horizontal Ridges
Horizontal nail ridges, or Beau's lines, are often indicative of abnormal nail growth due to stress or emotional shock. They can also be caused by nail trauma, such as dropping something heavy on your finger or closing a door on it. Horizontal ridges can also point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or underlying health conditions. These include peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's disease, and digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.
It is important to note that fingernail ridges may be a sign of a more serious medical problem. If you notice sudden changes or ridges appearing with other symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for evaluation and treatment.
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Nail trauma
Ridges in your nails can indicate various health conditions or nutrient deficiencies. However, they can also be caused by nail trauma, which can result from various types of injuries to the nail or surrounding areas.
Nail injuries can range from minor to severe. In some cases, the nail may be cut, torn, smashed, or bruised, leading to blood trapped under the nail, known as subungual hematoma. This condition can cause throbbing pain and bluish-black discolouration. If the injury is acute, creating a small hole in the nail can help relieve pressure and drain the accumulated blood. However, if the injury involves the base of the nail, some cosmetic changes may be permanent, and the nail may need to be removed and the nail bed repaired.
To treat a subungual hematoma, it is crucial to relieve the pressure by draining the blood trapped under the nail. For smaller hematomas, heating the end of a needle or paper clip until it is red-hot and then puncturing the nail can help drain the blood. In more serious cases, seeking medical attention at an urgent care centre or emergency room is recommended. Medical professionals can stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and provide appropriate treatment, which may include numbing the affected area, creating a small hole for drainage, or removing the nail if necessary.
It is important to note that any changes in your nails, including ridges, can indicate underlying health conditions. While vertical ridges are typically associated with aging, horizontal ridges might suggest issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines, which can be related to conditions such as diabetes. Therefore, if you notice persistent or concerning nail ridges, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernail ridges can be a sign of ageing, or a health condition or nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges are usually age-related, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that can appear on one or more nails. They are often a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Fingernail ridges can be caused by nutritional imbalances, skin conditions, thyroid disease, peripheral vascular disease, or repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures.
Treating the underlying cause of fingernail ridges is the best way to improve their appearance. This may involve taking supplements, applying moisturisers, or treating an underlying health condition.
