
Ridges in your nails can be harmless, but they can also be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. 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 happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing, and can be an indication of a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical lines | Sign of ageing, dry skin, eczema, or hypothyroidism |
| Horizontal lines | Sign of malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines |
Explore related products
$16.69 $25.99
What You'll Learn
- Vertical lines on nails can be a sign of ageing, dry skin or eczema
- Horizontal lines, known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of a serious medical condition
- Ridges in nails can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or diabetes
- Hypothyroidism can cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges
- Horizontal lines can be caused by injury to the nail

Vertical lines on nails can be a sign of ageing, dry skin or eczema
Vertical lines on nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be caused by dry skin or eczema. In some cases, they may be a sign of a health condition such as hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies or diabetes.
Horizontal lines, also known as Beau's lines, are more likely to be an indication of an underlying medical condition. They happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing, often due to a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition. In severe cases, they can lead to the separation of the nail plate and the shedding of the nail, referred to as onychomadesis.
Nail Colors and Their Meanings: Expressing Yourself Through Manicures
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Horizontal lines, known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of a serious medical condition
Horizontal lines on your nails, known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that run from one side of the nail to the other. They are caused by a temporary disruption of nail growth, which can be due to an injury, infection, or an underlying medical condition. Beau's lines can also be caused by damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, getting gel manicures for long periods, or chemotherapy. In severe cases, they can lead to the separation of the nail plate and the shedding of the nail, known as onychomadesis.
While vertical ridges on the nails are often a sign of aging, horizontal ridges are more likely to indicate an underlying medical condition. If you notice horizontal lines on your nails, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Baby Blue Nails: What's the Meaning Behind This Trend?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Ridges in nails can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or diabetes
Horizontal ridges or dents in your nails are usually due to a condition called Beau's lines. These dents may happen when something interrupts your nail growth. Possible causes include chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods, or injury to your nail.
In some cases, ridges in your nails are harmless. However, it's important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes. These might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. If you have very dry skin or eczema, you may have vertical lines on your nails. If you have hypothyroidism, you may have thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily.
The Significance of Pink Nails: Color Meaning and More
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Hypothyroidism can cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges
Ridges in your nails can be harmless and are usually a sign of ageing. However, they can also be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. 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 happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing. They can be an indication of a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition.
Thyroid disease can also be a cause of vertical ridges. If you have hypothyroidism, you may have thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily. They may look more rounded and your fingertip may be puffy.
The Mystery of White Spots on Nails Revealed
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Horizontal lines can be caused by injury to the nail
Horizontal lines on your nails can be caused by injury to the nail. These are called Beau's lines and can be caused by a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition. Beau's lines happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing, causing a temporary disruption of nail growth. This can lead to the separation of the nail plate and the shedding of the nail, referred to as onychomadesis.
Horizontal lines on your nails can also be caused by damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods. This can include things like slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot.
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 are concerned about horizontal lines on your nails, you can connect to a dermatologist in your area for further advice.
The Surprising Meaning of Long Pinky Nails
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Vertical lines on your nails are usually a sign of ageing. They can also be caused by very dry skin or eczema, or, in the case of thick, brittle nails, hypothyroidism.
Horizontal lines on your nails, known as Beau's lines, can be caused by a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition. They happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing.
Beau's lines can be caused by chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, gel manicures, or an injury to your nail.
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes be a sign of a health condition or vitamin deficiency.





























![Sparkle Wellness VERISOL Bioactive Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides | Collagen Powder Supplement with Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid for Hair, Skin, and Nail Health | Skin Boost Plus (Chocolate) [50-Serves]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61sq7oHlqAL._AC_UL320_.jpg)






![Sparkle Wellness VERISOL Bioactive Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides | Collagen Powder with Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid for Hair, Skin, and Nail Health | Skin Boost Plus (Mixed Berry) [50-Serves]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61GjdqQQ2nL._AC_UL320_.jpg)






