
Ridges in your nails can be harmless, but they can also be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury. Vertical ridges are usually a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Ridges can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions, or thyroid disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical nail ridges | Common, normal sign of aging |
| Vertical nail ridges | Can be caused by skin conditions such as dry skin or eczema |
| Vertical nail ridges | Can be caused by thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism |
| Vertical nail ridges | Can be caused by iron deficiency |
| Vertical nail ridges | Can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as zinc, A, C, and D |
| Horizontal nail ridges | Can be caused by malnutrition |
| Horizontal nail ridges | Can be caused by a serious nail injury |
| Horizontal nail ridges | Can be caused by Beau's lines |
| Horizontal nail ridges | Can be caused by a current or past illness |
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What You'll Learn

Vertical ridges are a sign of ageing
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 a common and normal sign of ageing. As we get older, many people develop vertical ridges on their nails. These lines aren't dangerous, but they can be a sign of improper nail care, nail trauma, or vitamin deficiencies. 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.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Certain health conditions and nutrient deficiencies can also cause ridges, dents, or lines in your nails. If you have very dry skin or eczema, you may have vertical lines on your nails. Thyroid disease can also cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily, and your fingertip may be puffy.
If you're concerned about ridges in your nails, it's best to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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Horizontal ridges can be caused by malnutrition
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a health condition or a previous injury. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can be caused by malnutrition, a serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Horizontal nail ridges (lines that run from side to side) are known as Beau's lines. They can be caused by malnutrition, a serious nail injury, or a current or past illness. Certain nutritional deficiencies can also 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.
If you have ridges in your nails, your healthcare provider can help you determine the cause. Treating the underlying cause will usually lead to smoother nails.
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Ridges can be a sign of a current or past illness
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a current or past illness. They can also be a sign of ageing, malnutrition, nail injury, or Beau's lines. 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.
Horizontal nail ridges (lines that run from side to side) are known as Beau's lines. These can be caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or a previous illness.
Vertical nail ridges are raised lines that run from your cuticle to the tip of your fingernail and are a super common, normal sign of ageing. However, they can also be caused by skin conditions such as very dry skin or eczema. Thyroid disease can also cause vertical nail ridges, with nails becoming thick, brittle, and prone to crumbling or breaking easily.
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Ridges can be caused by a nutrient deficiency
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau’s lines.
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.
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a current or past illness. Ridges may also happen if you have a nutrient deficiency. Your provider can help you determine why you have ridges in your nails. Usually, your nails will become smoother if you treat the underlying cause.
Horizontal nail ridges (lines that run from side to side) are known as Beau’s lines. These are often caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or a more pressing medical condition.
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Ridges can be caused by a thyroid disease
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Thyroid disease is not the only cause of nail ridges. Ridges may also be caused by nutrient deficiencies, such as an iron deficiency, or a skin condition such as eczema. Ridges can also be caused by improper nail care, nail trauma, or vitamin deficiencies.
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Frequently asked questions
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a health condition, a nutrient deficiency, or a previous injury to your nail. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau’s lines.
Your provider can help you determine why you have ridges in your nails. Usually, your nails will become smoother if you treat the underlying cause.
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can be caused by aging, improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition.










































