Liam Carter
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as vitamin or nutrient deficiency, or a dermatological condition. Vertical nail ridges can also be caused by improper nail care, nail trauma, or the use of nail polish removers and cuticle softeners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, vitamin deficiency, nail trauma, improper nail care, decreased circulation to fingertips, stripping nails with solvents during manicures, tumours, certain dermatological conditions, nutritional deficiencies, iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, protein deficiency, dry skin, dehydration of the nail plate, psoriasis, lichen planus, other inflammatory skin conditions |
| Appearance | Thin grooves running vertically along the length of the nail |
| Other symptoms | Nails may become brittle, break easily and split at the edges |
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What You'll Learn
Vertical nail ridges are often a sign of ageing
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless and are one of the most common signs of ageing. Just as your skin starts to show age-related changes such as thinning and sagging, nails also show signs of ageing. Vertical nail ridges extend from the bottom of the nail to the tip and are usually nothing to worry about. However, decreased circulation to fingertips, stripping nails with solvents during manicures, tumours and certain dermatological conditions can also cause vertical ridges in nails.
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They can be caused by vitamin deficiencies
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, folic acid (vitamin B9) or protein. Other nutritional deficiencies that can affect your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D.
If you have an eating disorder, you may be more likely to experience vertical nail ridges due to a lack of nutrients. Certain health conditions, such as inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and lichen planus, can also cause vertical nail ridges.
In addition to vitamin deficiencies, vertical nail ridges can be caused by improper nail care, nail trauma, or a more pressing medical condition. Repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures, and chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners, can also make vertical nail ridges more visible.
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They can be caused by an eating disorder
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as vitamin or nutrient deficiency. This can include iron, folic acid (vitamin B9) or protein deficiency, which may be caused by an eating disorder.
If you have an eating disorder, your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. This can lead to a variety of health issues, including vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Vertical nail ridges can be a sign of these deficiencies, as the body may not be getting enough of the nutrients that are essential for nail health, such as iron, folic acid, and protein.
Eating disorders can also impact the body's ability to absorb and utilise nutrients effectively. This can lead to deficiencies even if the person is consuming enough nutrients. Additionally, eating disorders can cause dehydration, which can further impact nail health. Dehydration can affect the nail plate, leading to dryness and brittleness, which can contribute to the formation of vertical nail ridges.
It is important to note that vertical nail ridges are not always a direct result of an eating disorder. They can also be caused by other factors, such as improper nail care, nail trauma, or certain medical conditions. However, if you are experiencing vertical nail ridges and suspect that it may be related to an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is crucial to seek professional help and support. Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a combination of nutritional counselling, psychotherapy, and medical monitoring. By addressing the underlying causes and improving nutritional intake, it is possible to improve nail health and reduce the appearance of vertical nail ridges over time.
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They can be caused by improper nail care
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be caused by improper nail care, such as repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures, or using chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners.
Improper nail care can cause vertical nail ridges in a few different ways. Firstly, it can lead to decreased circulation to the fingertips, which can cause ridges. Additionally, using harsh solvents to strip nails during manicures can damage the nails and make them more prone to developing ridges.
It's important to note that vertical nail ridges can also be a sign of vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, such as iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), or protein deficiencies. Certain health conditions, such as inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or lichen planus, can also contribute to the development of vertical nail ridges.
While vertical nail ridges are typically not a cause for concern, if you notice any changes in your nails or have concerns about your nail health, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalised advice and guidance.
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They can be caused by nail trauma
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be caused by nail trauma. Repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures, and chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can make vertical nail ridges more visible.
Vertical nail ridges can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, or other nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of folic acid (vitamin B9) or protein.
Vertical nail ridges can also be a symptom of a health condition, such as psoriasis, lichen planus and other inflammatory skin conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless and are often a sign of aging. However, they can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, folic acid (vitamin B9) or protein.
Onychorrhexis is a condition that causes vertical ridges and splitting in the nails. Nails may become brittle, break easily, and split at the edges.
Yes, manicures can make vertical nail ridges more visible. Stripping nails with solvents during manicures and pedicures can cause ridges, as can the chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners.
