Sophia Delgado
Healthy nails are typically smooth and free of discolouration. However, if your nails are not smooth, it could be a sign of a current or past illness, or a nutrient deficiency. Ridges in your nails can be vertical or horizontal, and may feel bumpy. If you have nail ridges, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and how to treat it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ridges | Vertical or horizontal lines or dents in your nails |
| Nail pitting | Small indentations on the nail surface |
| Beau's lines | Horizontal ridges, deeper than vertical ridges |
| Discolouration |
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What You'll Learn
- Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a current or past illness
- Ridges may also be caused by a nutrient deficiency
- Vertical ridges are called onychorrhexis and are mainly a cosmetic condition
- Horizontal ridges are called Beau's lines and are often linked to more serious health issues
- Nail pitting is more common with issues such as psoriasis, fungal infections, or autoimmune diseases
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a current or past illness
Ridges in your fingernails or toenails can run vertically (up and down) or horizontally (across) your nail. Vertical ridges in your nail can be a symptom of onychorrhexis, which is mainly a cosmetic condition caused by age. Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, are often linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Beau's lines usually go away once your nails have grown out.
If your nail ridges aren’t due to a health condition or deficiency, home nail care may help. With time and treatment, you may see new, smoother nails grow in.
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Ridges may also be caused by a nutrient deficiency
Ridges in your fingernails or toenails can be a sign of a current or past illness. Ridges may also be caused by 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.
Nail ridges can be vertical or horizontal. Vertical ridges are the main symptom of onychorrhexis, which is mainly a cosmetic condition caused by age. Horizontal ridges are called Beau's lines and are often linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Beau's lines usually go away once your nails have grown out, and treating the underlying cause will likely result in the appearance of smooth nails again.
If your nail ridges aren’t due to a health condition or deficiency, home nail care may help. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider so you can find out the cause and how to treat it, if necessary.
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Vertical ridges are called onychorrhexis and are mainly a cosmetic condition
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a current or past illness or a nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges are called onychorrhexis and are mainly a cosmetic condition, often caused by age. However, horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, are usually linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Beau's lines are deeper than vertical ridges and usually go away once your nails have grown out. If you treat the underlying cause, you will likely see smooth nails appear again. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any nail changes so they can help you determine the cause and how to treat it.
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Horizontal ridges are called Beau's lines and are often linked to more serious health issues
Horizontal ridges in your nails are called Beau's lines. While vertical ridges are usually a cosmetic issue, Beau's lines are often linked to more serious health issues. These include severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.
If you notice ridges in your nails, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and how to treat it. Treating the underlying cause will usually lead to smoother nails.
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Nail pitting is more common with issues such as psoriasis, fungal infections, or autoimmune diseases
Ridges in your fingernails or toenails can be a sign of a current or past illness. They may also be caused by a nutrient deficiency. If you have nail ridges, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and how to treat it. Treating the underlying cause will usually lead to smoother nails.
Nail pitting, or small indentations on the nail surface, is more common with issues such as psoriasis, fungal infections, or certain autoimmune diseases. Nail pitting is not generally a symptom of onychorrhexis, a condition that mainly causes vertical ridges and splitting of the nails. Horizontal ridges in your nails, known as Beau's lines, are also a separate condition from onychorrhexis and are often linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be a sign of a current or past illness, or a nutrient deficiency.
Talk to your healthcare provider to find out the cause and how to treat it.
Ridges may be caused by a health condition or deficiency, or they may be due to age and are mainly a cosmetic condition.
If the ridges are not due to a health condition or deficiency, home nail care may help. Treating the underlying cause will usually result in smoother nails.
Yes, nail pitting, or small indentations on the nail surface, can be a sign of psoriasis, fungal infections, or certain autoimmune diseases.
