
Vertical lines on your nails, also known as longitudinal ridges, are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Normal ageing |
| Cause | Nail trauma |
| Cause | Underlying medical condition |
| Cause | Dry skin |
| Cause | Skin conditions such as eczema |
| Cause | Nutrient deficiency (low in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A) |
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What You'll Learn

Vertical lines on nails are usually harmless
Vertical lines on nails can sometimes be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, such as low levels of protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A. If you have deep ridges or other health issues, it may be worth getting a blood test to check for possible deficiencies.
In rare cases, vertical lines on nails can indicate an underlying medical condition or nail trauma.
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They can be a sign of ageing
Vertical lines down your nails can be a sign of ageing. As we get older, the nail matrix gradually starts to lose its effectiveness in some areas, causing nails to grow out unevenly, resulting in what we see as lines or ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. These are basically like wrinkles of the nails. Vertical ridges are often harmless and very common, especially if you have dry skin or skin conditions such as eczema. However, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition or nail trauma. If you have deep ridges or other health issues, it is recommended that you get a blood test to check for possible deficiencies.
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They can be caused by a nutrient deficiency
Vertical lines on your nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can sometimes be caused by a nutrient deficiency. If your body is low in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A, this can be revealed by vertical ridges in your nails. If you have deep ridges or other health issues, it is recommended that you get a blood test to check for possible deficiencies.
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They can be caused by a previous nail injury
Vertical lines on your nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be caused by a previous nail injury.
As we age, the nail matrix gradually starts to lose its effectiveness in some areas, causing nails to grow out unevenly, resulting in what we see as lines or ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. These vertical ridges are sometimes referred to as 'longitudinal ridges'.
If you have deep ridges or other health issues, it is recommended that you get a blood test to check for possible deficiencies. A deficiency in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A can sometimes be revealed by vertical ridges in your nails.
Ridges in your nails can also be a sign of a previous injury to your nail. If you have recently noticed vertical lines on your nails, consider whether you have experienced any nail trauma in the past.
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They can be a sign of an underlying medical condition
Vertical lines on your nails can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. While they are usually harmless, in some rare cases they can indicate an underlying medical condition or nail trauma. They can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, such as low levels of protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A. If you have deep ridges or other health issues, it is recommended that you get a blood test to check for possible deficiencies.
Vertical lines on your nails are also known as longitudinal ridges. They are similar to wrinkles of the nails and are usually a sign of ageing. As we get older, the nail matrix gradually loses its effectiveness in some areas, causing nails to grow out unevenly, resulting in lines or ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical lines on your nails are usually harmless and are a normal part of the ageing process.
Vertical lines on your nails can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition or nail trauma. If you are concerned, it is best to consult a doctor.
While there is no treatment for vertical lines on your nails, you can take steps to improve the overall health of your nails. This includes ensuring you are getting enough protein, zinc, calcium and vitamin A.
Vertical lines on your nails are also known as longitudinal ridges.
Vertical lines appear on your nails as the nail matrix gradually loses its effectiveness in some areas, causing your nails to grow out unevenly.











































