Sophia Delgado
Ridges in your nails are visible lines or dents that can run vertically or horizontally. They can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury, although sometimes they are harmless. Horizontal ridges are usually due to a condition called Beau's lines, which can be caused by chemotherapy, damage from using artificial nails, injury, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness, or nutritional deficiencies. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, but can also be caused by iron deficiency. Dark lines on your nails, known as melanonychia, can be caused by nail injury, infection, or cancer, as well as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein deficiencies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ridges in nails | Visible lines or dents in your fingernails or toenails |
| May run vertically or horizontally | |
| Can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury | |
| In some cases, they're harmless | |
| Can be caused by normal ageing | |
| Horizontal ridges or dents | Can be caused by a condition called Beau's lines |
| May happen when something interrupts nail growth | |
| Possible causes include chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, injury to the nail, peripheral vascular disease (PAD), severe illness with high fever, zinc deficiency, and iron deficiency | |
| Dark lines on nails | Called melanonychia |
| Can be brown or black | |
| Usually look like a stripe that begins at the bottom of the nail bed and continues to the top | |
| Can occur naturally if you have a dark complexion | |
| Can be caused by nail cancer, trauma, and other health conditions | |
| Can be caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein |
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What You'll Learn
Beau's lines
Ridges in your nails are visible lines or dents that can run vertically or horizontally. They can be harmless, but they can also be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in your nails that are usually due to an interruption in nail growth. Possible causes include chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, injury to your nail, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness with a high fever, and certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, zinc deficiency can cause Beau's lines and white spots on your nails, while iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and spoon nails.
It's important to note that dark lines on your nails, known as melanonychia, can also be a cause for concern. These lines are typically brown or black and can appear in one or several nails. Melanonychia can be caused by nail trauma, infection, or cancer, among other health conditions. If you notice any unusual lines or changes in your nails, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Melanonychia
Ridges in your nails are visible lines or dents that may run vertically (up and down) or horizontally (across) your nail. Horizontal ridges are usually due to a condition called Beau's lines, which can be caused by chemotherapy, damage from using artificial nails, injury to your nail, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness with a high fever, or certain nutritional deficiencies. Vertical ridges are often a result of the normal ageing process, but can also be caused by iron deficiency.
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Nutrient deficiencies
Ridges or lines in nails can be caused by a number of factors, including nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient deficiencies can cause changes to your nails, with certain vitamins and minerals being linked to specific nail abnormalities. For example, a zinc deficiency can cause Beau's lines and white spots on your nails, while an iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails).
Vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiencies have also been linked to dark lines in nails, a condition known as melanonychia. Melanonychia can also be caused by trauma, infection, or cancer. If you notice dark stripes on your nails, it is important to see a doctor as they can perform exams to determine whether the condition is malignant.
In addition to vitamin deficiencies, protein deficiency can also cause dark lines in nails. This is because protein is essential for nail growth and health. A lack of protein in the diet can lead to nail abnormalities, including ridges, dents, and lines.
While nutrient deficiencies can be a cause of lines in nails, it is important to note that there are also other factors that can contribute to this condition. For example, normal ageing can cause vertical ridges on the nails, and certain health conditions, such as peripheral vascular disease (PAD), can also be a factor. Additionally, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, or getting gel manicures for long periods, can also contribute to nail ridges and lines.
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Ageing
Ridges in nails are visible lines or dents that can run vertically or horizontally. While they can be harmless, they can also be a sign of ageing, a health condition or a previous injury to the nail.
As we age, our nails become more brittle and dry, and vertical ridges often appear. These are also known as longitudinal ridges and are a common sign of ageing. They can be more prominent in people with a family history of vertical ridges.
Health conditions
Certain health conditions can also cause ridges in nails. For example, peripheral vascular disease (PAD) and nutritional deficiencies, such as a zinc or iron deficiency, can cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines.
Injury
Injuries to the nail, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot, can also cause horizontal ridges.
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Injury
Ridges in your nails are visible lines or dents that can run vertically or horizontally. They can be a sign of a health condition, a previous injury to your nail, or nutrient deficiencies. Horizontal ridges are usually due to a condition called Beau's lines, which can be caused by injury to your nail, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot. They can also be caused by peripheral vascular disease, severe illness with a high fever, or nutritional deficiencies.
Dark lines on your nails, known as melanonychia, can be brown or black and usually look like a stripe that begins at the bottom of your nail bed and continues to the top. They can be caused by nail injury, infection, or cancer, among other causes. If your melanonychia is malignant or cancerous, the tumour or cancerous area must be removed, which may mean losing all or part of your nail.
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Frequently asked questions
A line in your nail could be a sign of a health condition, a previous injury, or a nutrient deficiency.
Lines in nails can be vertical (running up and down) or horizontal (running across). They can also be brown or black, which is called melanonychia.
Horizontal lines in nails are usually due to a condition called Beau's lines, which can be caused by chemotherapy, damage from artificial nails, injury, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness, or nutritional deficiencies.
Vertical lines in nails can be caused by normal ageing, iron deficiency, or vitamin deficiencies.
