Caleb Foster
Ridges in your fingernails can indicate underlying health conditions or nutrient deficiencies. Vertical ridges, also called longitudinal ridges, are usually caused by the normal ageing process, but can also be a sign of thyroid disease or iron deficiency. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or a condition called Beau's lines, which can be caused by chemotherapy or acute kidney disease. If you notice any changes in your nails, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, nutrient deficiency, injury, skin conditions, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness, thyroid disease, Beau's lines, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, inflammatory skin conditions, chemotherapy, heart and circulatory diseases, digestive disorders, systemic diseases, liver disease, kidney disease, rheumatology diseases, nail trauma, nail matrix damage, other medical disorders |
| Treatment | Treating the underlying cause, medication, supplements, moisturiser, skin cream, cotton gloves, foot care, biotin supplements, avoiding biting fingernails or cutting cuticles, avoiding gel manicures and artificial nails, nail trimming and shaping, nail buffering, healthy diet |
| Precautions | See a doctor if ridges appear with other symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, or nail discolouration |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing
Ridges in fingernails are usually a sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, in particular, are common in older adults, possibly due to a slowing of cell turnover. This is when new skin cells produced below the surface rise up to take the place of dead cells being discarded from the surface.
While vertical ridges are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. In some cases, vertical ridges can also be a sign of more serious conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud's disease. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to any changes in your nails and consult a doctor if you are concerned.
If you are experiencing vertical nail ridges due to ageing, there are some things you can do to improve the appearance of your nails. Moisturising your nails and cuticles regularly can help to relieve dry skin. You can also apply a heavy moisturising cream to your hands and feet before bed and wear cotton gloves and socks to lock in moisture while you sleep. While nail buffers can help to smooth out ridges, it is recommended not to use them more than once a month, as over-buffing can weaken the nails.
While vertical ridges are more common with ageing, horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, can indicate more serious health issues. These include malnutrition, serious nail injury, or underlying illnesses such as acute kidney disease, thyroid disease, or severe infections with high fever. Horizontal ridges can also be caused by external factors such as trauma to the nails, the use of artificial nails or gel manicures, or certain medications like chemotherapy drugs. If you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any serious underlying causes.
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Health conditions
Ridges in your fingernails can indicate various health conditions and nutrient deficiencies. Vertical ridges, also known as longitudinal ridges, can be caused by normal ageing, with many people developing them as they get older. This is due to a slowing of cell turnover, where new skin cells produced below the skin's surface rise up to replace dead cells being discarded.
However, vertical ridges can also indicate other health conditions. For example, certain skin conditions like dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis can cause vertical nail ridges. Thyroid disease, specifically hypothyroidism, can also lead to vertical ridges, with nails becoming thick, brittle, and prone to crumbling or breaking easily. Additionally, iron deficiency has been linked to vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails), where the centre of the nail is scooped out.
Horizontal ridges, often deep and known as Beau's lines, usually indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention. These ridges can be caused by severe illnesses with high fevers, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia. They are also associated with malnutrition, serious nail injuries, and certain medications, especially chemotherapy drugs. Beau's lines may also be a symptom of acute kidney disease or indicate the presence of other underlying illnesses that interrupt nail growth, such as diabetes.
Other health conditions that can cause horizontal ridges include peripheral vascular disease, hypothyroidism, Raynaud's disease, and digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, people who have had mumps or syphilis may also experience horizontal ridges in their nails.
If you notice persistent or sudden changes in your nails, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist, as they can help diagnose and treat any underlying health conditions that may be causing the ridges.
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Nutrient deficiencies
Ridges in your fingernails can indicate a nutrient deficiency. While vertical ridges are usually a harmless sign of aging, horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies.
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, as if the center of the nail had been scooped out. You may be able to hold a drop of water on your spoon-shaped nail. Iron deficiency can also cause your nails to become rough, brittle, and easily breakable.
Zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency can cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines, as well as white spots on your nails.
Vitamin B deficiency
Vitamin B deficiency can cause an unusual darkening of the nails or a bluish color if left untreated for an extended period.
Vitamin A, C, and D deficiency
A deficiency in vitamins A, C, or D can also cause nail problems.
Protein and folic acid deficiency
Inadequate intake of protein and folic acid can lead to nail growth problems.
If you notice persistent nail ridges, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Skin conditions
Ridges in fingernails are often harmless and are usually a sign of aging, particularly if they are vertical ridges. However, they can also indicate a skin condition or other health problems.
If you have a skin condition such as eczema, this may cause ridges in your fingernails. Treatment for eczema may include moisturisers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce symptoms.
Another skin condition that can affect the nails is psoriasis, which causes inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails. It can also cause nail discoloration, which is called melanonychia. This can be treated with topical steroids.
Other health problems
Horizontal ridges, particularly deep ones, can indicate a more serious underlying condition. These types of ridges are called Beau's lines and may be a symptom of acute kidney disease, diabetes, malnutrition, or nail trauma. They can also be caused by medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs.
Vertical ridges can also be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as low levels of iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), or protein. Certain medications can also cause ridges in the nails, including chemotherapy drugs.
If you are concerned about the appearance of ridges in your fingernails, it is best to consult a dermatologist, who can help determine if there is an underlying medical cause that requires treatment.
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Injury
Ridges in fingernails can indicate underlying health conditions or nutrient deficiencies. Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can be caused by injury to the nail, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot. Beau's lines can also be caused by peripheral vascular disease (PAD), severe illness with a high fever, chemotherapy, or damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods. If you experience nail trauma, red or brown spots may form underneath your nails. If you notice dark brown, black, or red colour changes under your nails and haven't experienced nail trauma, it may indicate a more serious condition such as endocarditis or melanoma.
In addition to injury, horizontal ridges can also be a sign of malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies, such as zinc or iron deficiency. Certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails, causing changes in their appearance. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails, while zinc deficiency can lead to Beau's lines and white spots.
If you notice new ridges or lines in your nails, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Your doctor will examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you may be experiencing. They may order urine and blood tests to check for conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. If the cause of the ridges is unclear, a dermatologist may take nail clippings for lab analysis to rule out any infections.
While ridges in fingernails can be a cause for concern, it's important to note that they are often a typical sign of aging. Improper nail care, such as frequent gel manicures or the use of artificial nails, can also contribute to the formation of ridges. To improve the appearance of your nails, it is recommended to moisturize your nails and cuticles daily, keep them trimmed, and consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical ridges, also known as longitudinal ridges, can be caused by the natural ageing process, and are not considered dangerous. They can also be caused by skin conditions such as eczema, or dry skin.
Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can be caused by a severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles or pneumonia. They can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as a zinc or iron deficiency.
If you have fingernail ridges, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. They will examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you are experiencing. If they suspect an underlying condition, they may order blood or urine tests.
If an underlying condition is causing your fingernail ridges, treating it should help resolve the ridges. You can also improve the appearance of your nails by applying moisturiser to your nails and cuticles daily, and wearing cotton gloves to bed after applying a skin cream.
