Noah Sinclair
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Ridges can also be caused by trauma to the nails, such as closing a door on your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures, chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners, ageing, malnutrition, serious nail injury, Beau's lines, improper nail care, vitamin deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, skin conditions such as eczema |
| Appearance | Grooves or indentations running across the nail (horizontal) or from the tip of the nail down to the cuticle (vertical) |
| Treatment | Focus on resolving the underlying condition, e.g. by prescribing topical treatments for skin conditions; eat a varied and healthy diet |
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What You'll Learn
Beau's lines
Grooves in nails, or indentations, can be harmless or a sign of a health condition or previous injury. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can be caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are horizontal nail ridges that usually develop when nail growth is disrupted by something. Nail trauma is one possible cause—for example, you may have closed a door on your finger or dropped something heavy on your toe. Using artificial nails or getting gel manicures for long periods can also harm the nails and lead to Beau's lines.
While Beau's lines can occur in anyone, certain factors may increase the risk of developing them. For example, people with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, may be more prone to developing Beau's lines. Additionally, those who have experienced nail trauma or who have poor nail care habits may be at a higher risk.
To prevent and treat Beau's lines, it is essential to maintain proper nail care and address any underlying medical conditions. Eating a healthy and varied diet can also help provide the body with the nutrients needed to support nail health. In some cases, specific supplements, such as biotin, may be recommended to aid in nail health, although more research is needed to understand its full benefits. Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause of Beau's lines and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
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Ageing
Vertical ridges in nails are often a sign of ageing. According to 2015 research, slight vertical ridges in fingernails often develop in older adults, possibly due to a slowing of cell turnover. This is when new skin cells produced below the surface of your skin rise up to take the place of discarding dead cells from the surface.
While vertical ridges are harmless, horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Horizontal nail ridges usually develop when nail growth is disrupted by something. Nail trauma is one possible culprit. Using artificial nails or getting gel manicures for long periods can also harm the nails and lead to horizontal ridges.
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. In some cases, ridges in nails can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. 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.
Eating a varied and healthy diet may be a positive step toward providing the body with the fuel it needs to create strong, healthy nails and prevent fingernail ridges. Not every person will develop ridges in their fingernails as they age, and there is no known way to prevent them from forming.
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Malnutrition
Ridges in nails are usually nothing to worry about. They are often a natural part of ageing, as nails become weaker and more brittle with time. However, horizontal ridges can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Firstly, malnutrition can cause nails to become brittle and weak, which makes them more prone to developing ridges. This is because the body may struggle to produce enough keratin when it is lacking essential nutrients.
Secondly, malnutrition can cause changes in nail colour. For example, a lack of iron can lead to spoon-shaped nails with a pale or concave appearance. A deficiency in B vitamins can also cause nails to become darker and more curved.
Finally, malnutrition can affect nail growth. Nails may grow more slowly or stop growing altogether if the body is lacking the nutrients it needs to support nail growth. This can be particularly common in people who have undergone chemotherapy, as the treatment can deplete the body's nutrient stores.
In summary, malnutrition can cause a range of changes to the nails, including brittleness, colour changes, and slowed growth. These changes can be indicative of underlying nutritional deficiencies and should not be ignored. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek medical advice and make dietary changes to ensure you are getting the nutrients your body needs.
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Nail trauma
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 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 indentations that run across your nail and can be caused by nail trauma. Nail trauma can be caused by something like closing a door on your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe. It can also be caused by using artificial nails or getting gel manicures for long periods.
In some cases, nail ridges may be a sign of vitamin deficiencies. For example, iron deficiency has been linked to vertical ridges in the nails. Other vitamins that are important for nail health include zinc, vitamins A, C, and D, and biotin. While biotin is highly recommended for nail health, more research is needed to understand its full benefits.
Overall, nail ridges can be a sign of nail trauma, but they can also have other causes, such as ageing, malnutrition, or underlying medical conditions. It is important to pay attention to any changes in your nails and seek medical advice if you are concerned.
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Nutritional deficiencies
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. Grooves or indentations running across your nail are called Beau's lines. Horizontal nail ridges usually develop when nail growth is disrupted by something, such as nail trauma or a serious nail injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Grooves in nails, also known as ridges, are usually nothing to worry about. They are a common part of ageing, like wrinkles in the skin.
Longitudinal ridges are the lines that run from your cuticle to the tip of your nail. They are the most common type of ridge and usually don't mean much.
Horizontal ridges are often a sign of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
Vertical ridges are raised lines that run from the tips of your nails down to the cuticles. They are often accompanied by changes in nail thickness and texture.
