Ava Monroe
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a health problem. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. In some cases, deep horizontal ridges may suggest a serious condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical ridges | Often a sign of aging |
| Horizontal ridges | Can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines |
| Deep horizontal ridges | Can suggest a serious condition |
| Vertical ridges | Can be caused by dry skin or eczema |
| Thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges | Can be caused by hypothyroidism |
| Horizontal ridges or dents | Can be caused by chemotherapy |
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What You'll Learn
- Ridges in nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or a more serious medical condition
- Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury or Beau's lines
- Onychorrhexis is a condition that causes ridges and splitting in nails. It involves the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth
- Hypothyroidism can cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges
- Applying a heavy moisturising cream to your nails and cuticles can help to prevent dry, brittle nails
Ridges in nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or a more serious medical condition
Vitamin deficiencies, such as iron, folic acid, or protein deficiency, can contribute to ridges in nails. A deficiency in vitamins A, C, and D, zinc, and vitamins B, E, and selenium may also present as brittle nails. Other health conditions that can cause vertical ridges include anaemia and onychorrhexis, a condition that affects nail growth and causes them to become brittle and split.
If ridges are accompanied by other symptoms, such as rough or brittle nails that are not caused by ageing, they may be a sign of a medical disorder and should be diagnosed by a medical professional. A change in nail colour, texture, or shape can be harmless but can also indicate an underlying disease. For example, if nail ridges are accompanied by a dark streak, redness, and swelling, or are pitted, a person should speak with a dermatologist.
While ridges in nails are usually harmless, it is important to be aware of any accompanying symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary.
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Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury or Beau's lines
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing. This is known as onychorrhexis and is caused by issues with making skin cells and a skin protein called keratin, which can change how your nails grow. Vertical ridges can also be caused by skin conditions such as eczema or thyroid disease.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury or a condition called Beau's lines. Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that may suggest a serious condition. They are usually caused by something interrupting nail growth, such as chemotherapy.
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Onychorrhexis is a condition that causes ridges and splitting in nails. It involves the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. 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 are deep horizontal ridges that may suggest a serious condition.
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.
There are several things you can do to avoid dry, brittle nails, which make ridges look more pronounced. Apply a heavy moisturising cream to your nails and cuticles during the day and before going to bed (cover your hands and feet with thin cotton gloves and socks to protect your sheets). Don't bite or pick at your nails or cuticles. Don't cut your cuticles or push them back.
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Hypothyroidism can cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges
Ridges in nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of health problems. 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 are deep horizontal ridges that may suggest a serious condition.
Vertical ridges can also be caused by skin conditions such as eczema or dry skin. Thyroid disease can also cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Hypothyroidism can cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Nails may also crumble or break easily and look more rounded, with a puffy fingertip.
Onychorrhexis is a condition that affects the nail matrix, causing ridges and splitting. Issues with making skin cells and a skin protein called keratin can change how your nails grow, leading to onychorrhexis. Onychorrhexis causes vertical ridges on your fingernails. It often happens with ageing but can also be a symptom of a health condition.
There are several things you can do to avoid dry, brittle nails, which make ridges look more pronounced. Applying a heavy moisturising cream to your nails and cuticles during the day and before going to bed can help. Cover your hands and feet with thin cotton gloves and socks to protect your sheets. It is also important to not bite or pick at your nails or cuticles, and not to cut or push back your cuticles.
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Applying a heavy moisturising cream to your nails and cuticles can help to prevent dry, brittle nails
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a health problem. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Ridges can also be caused by improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or a more pressing medical condition.
There are also other ways to prevent dry, brittle nails. For example, you should avoid biting or picking at your nails or cuticles. You should also avoid cutting your cuticles or pushing them back.
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. They may look more rounded and your fingertip may be puffy.
While it is not possible to get rid of age-related nail ridges, you can use a nail buffer to smooth them out. However, if you buff too often (more than once a month), you can weaken your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a sign of aging, malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges that can be a sign of a serious condition, such as diabetes or chemotherapy treatment.
You can apply a heavy moisturising cream to your nails and cuticles during the day and before going to bed. Cover your hands and feet with thin cotton gloves and socks to protect your sheets.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to get rid of age-related nail ridges completely. However, you can use a nail buffer to smooth them out a bit, but be careful not to overdo it, as this can weaken your nails.
Yes, it could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, such as an iron deficiency, or a health condition like hypothyroidism.
