Isla Bennett
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, severe infections, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. Beau's lines on all of your nails can mean that an illness or stress caused them, while multiple Beau's lines on each nail may indicate that an illness or trauma happened more than once. Thicker Beau's lines could suggest that an illness or trauma lasted a long time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical ridges | Sign of ageing, iron deficiency, or improper nail care |
| Horizontal ridges | Beau's lines, linked to serious health issues such as severe infections, diabetes, malnutrition, nail injury, or nutritional deficiencies |
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What You'll Learn
Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can point to more serious issues. According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to aging. 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.
Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. However, it's important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes. These might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. In some cases, ridges may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes.
Horizontal ridges are called Beau's lines and are usually deeper than vertical ridges. Beau's lines are often linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Multiple Beau’s lines on each nail may mean that an illness or trauma happened more than once. Thicker Beau’s lines may be a sign that an illness or trauma lasted a longer time.
While there isn't a treatment for Beau's lines, treating the underlying cause can keep them from coming back once they grow out. Your healthcare provider may recommend you apply creams or moisturisers for eczema or psoriasis, avoid manicures, artificial nails or harsh nail products, and keep blood sugar under control if you have diabetes.
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Horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition
Horizontal ridges on your nails can be a sign of malnutrition. Known as Beau's lines, these ridges are deeper than vertical ridges and can be a sign of a serious health issue. Beau's lines are often linked to severe infections, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or stress. Thicker Beau's lines may be a sign that an illness or trauma lasted a long time.
Beau's lines can be treated by addressing the underlying cause. Your doctor might recommend medications to treat the underlying condition, such as iron supplements, or they may adjust your current medications.
It's important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes, as they might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. While ridges in the fingernails are usually a sign of aging, they can also be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or even a more pressing medical condition.
To maintain nail health, it's important to ensure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, vitamins A, C, and D, and biotin.
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Beau's lines can be caused by an illness or stress
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They are often deeper than vertical ridges. Beau's lines are usually a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth. They can be caused by an illness or stress, and can also be a sign of malnutrition, severe infections, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition. Beau's lines on all of your nails can mean that an illness or stress caused them. Multiple Beau's lines on each nail may mean that an illness or trauma happened more than once. Thicker Beau's lines may be a sign that an illness or trauma lasted a longer time.
Beau's lines are a separate condition from onychorrhexis, which is more likely to be caused by age and is mainly a cosmetic condition. While ridges in your nails are usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical problem. Treating the underlying cause of Beau's lines will allow new, smooth nails to grow again. Your healthcare provider may recommend you apply creams or moisturisers for eczema or psoriasis, avoid manicures, artificial nails or harsh nail products, and keep blood sugar under control if you have diabetes.
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Ridges can be a sign of improper nail care
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes be a sign of improper nail care. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, but horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They are a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth.
Beau's lines can be caused by severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Thicker Beau's lines may be a sign that an illness or trauma lasted a longer time. Multiple Beau's lines on each nail may mean that an illness or trauma happened more than once.
If you are concerned about ridges in your nails, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
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Ridges can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of vitamin deficiencies. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, but they can also be caused by iron deficiency. Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, can be a sign of malnutrition, severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Beau's lines can be caused by an illness, injury, or skin condition interrupting nail growth. If you have Beau's lines, treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
Nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails. Other vitamins that can contribute to nail health 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical lines on your nails are usually a sign of aging. However, they can also be caused by iron deficiency.
Horizontal lines on your nails 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 are usually a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
