Isla Bennett
Vertical lines on your nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be a sign of a deficiency in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A. Horizontal lines, known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of an underlying illness, injury or skin condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Direction | Vertical or horizontal |
| Cause | Ageing, malnutrition, nail injury, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, Beau's lines |
| Treatment | Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing
Vertical ridges in your nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be a sign of a deficiency in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A. If you have deep ridges or other health issues, it is recommended that you get a blood test to check for possible deficiencies.
If you are concerned about the appearance of vertical ridges, you can try to lessen their appearance by moisturising your hands and fingers throughout the day with a thick cream, oil or petroleum jelly, paying special attention to your cuticles.
Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or an underlying illness or trauma. Thicker Beau's lines may be a sign that an illness or trauma lasted a longer time. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
Rose Gold Nails: What's the Meaning Behind the Manicure?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Horizontal ridges can be caused by malnutrition
Horizontal ridges on your nails can be caused by malnutrition. 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. If your body is low in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A, a deficiency can sometimes be revealed by vertical ridges in your nails.
Ridge Reality: Nails and TCM Insights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Beau's lines can be caused by stress or illness
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 stress or illness. 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. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again. There is no treatment for Beau's lines, but you can prevent them from coming back by treating the underlying cause. 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.
Ridge Lines in Nails: What Do They Indicate?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Sparkle Wellness VERISOL Bioactive Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides | Collagen Powder Supplement with Vitamin C for Skin, Hair & Nail Health | Skin Boost (Tropical) [30-Serves]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61uZVn0-x8L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Vertical lines can indicate a deficiency in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A
Vertical lines on your nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also indicate a deficiency in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A. If you have deep ridges or other health issues, it is recommended that you get a blood test to check for possible deficiencies.
There are a few ways to help lessen the appearance of these lines. One is to moisturise your hands and fingers throughout the day with a thick cream, oil or petroleum jelly, paying special attention to your cuticles. You can also try to treat the underlying cause, which may be an illness, injury or skin condition. For example, if you have eczema, applying creams or moisturisers may help.
If you have multiple vertical lines on each nail, this may indicate that an illness or trauma has occurred more than once. Thicker lines may mean that an illness or trauma lasted a longer time.
It is important to note that these lines are usually nothing to worry about and are a normal part of ageing, especially if you have dry skin or skin conditions such as eczema.
Vertical Nail Lines: What Do They Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ridges can be caused by nail trauma
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, and can become more prominent with age, especially if you have dry skin or skin conditions such as eczema. However, they can also be a sign of a deficiency in protein, zinc, calcium or vitamin A.
Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or underlying illness. Beau's lines can also be caused by stress, and thicker Beau's lines may indicate a longer-lasting illness or trauma.
Nail trauma can cause ridges in your nails. This can be the result of a serious nail injury, such as a broken nail, or underlying medical conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Treating the underlying cause of the nail trauma will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
To treat nail trauma, it is recommended that you apply creams or moisturisers to the affected area. Keeping your nails and the skin around them well-moisturised can help to lessen the appearance of ridges.
Raised Lines on Nails: What Your Body is Telling You
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Vertical lines are usually a sign of ageing.
Horizontal lines, also known as Beau's lines, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or a serious condition.
You should not ignore horizontal lines, as they could be the first sign of a serious medical problem. Consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist to find out the underlying cause.
Ridges in your nails can sometimes be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. However, they are often harmless.
