Sophia Delgado
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past illness, or a nutrient deficiency. 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 often deep, horizontal ridges that can be a sign of an underlying condition requiring treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical lines | Sign of ageing, dry skin, eczema, hypothyroidism |
| Horizontal lines | Malnutrition, serious nail injury, Beau's lines |
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What You'll Learn
Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing
Vertical ridges in your fingernails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be a sign of a current or past illness, such as hypothyroidism, which can cause thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Vertical lines can also be caused by very dry skin or eczema.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can point to more serious issues. Deep horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment. Beau's lines may appear in people who have undergone chemotherapy or who have had mumps or syphilis. They can also be caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods.
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Horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition
Ridges in your fingernails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. While vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that run across the fingernail. They are often a sign of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, the nails may stop growing until the condition is treated. People who have had mumps or syphilis may also get horizontal ridges in their fingernails and toenails. If a person has Beau's lines from a previous illness, the lines should gradually grow out. However, if new Beau's lines keep appearing, this could be a sign that a person has a condition that keeps interrupting their nail growth.
If you have developed Beau's lines because of malnutrition, successfully managing your diet may reduce these horizontal fingernail ridges. You may be advised to alter your diet or take supplements to boost your levels of vitamins and minerals. Ask a dermatologist for advice on treating your nails.
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Horizontal ridges can be a sign of a serious nail injury
Horizontal ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a serious nail injury. They can also indicate malnutrition or a condition called Beau's lines, which is often a sign of an underlying health problem. Beau's lines are deep, horizontal ridges that can appear in people who have undergone chemotherapy, or who have had mumps or syphilis. They can also be caused by diabetes, and successfully managing blood sugar may reduce these horizontal ridges. If you have low levels of vitamins or minerals, this could also be the cause of horizontal ridges in your fingernails.
If you are concerned about horizontal ridges in your fingernails, you should consult a dermatologist for advice on treatment.
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Horizontal ridges are known as Beau's lines
Horizontal ridges in your fingernails, also known as Beau's lines, can point to a number of underlying issues. These ridges are often deep and multiple. They can be a sign of malnutrition, a serious nail injury, or a current or past illness. People who have had mumps, syphilis, or chemotherapy may also get horizontal ridges in their fingernails and toenails. Beau's lines can also be caused by damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods. If you have horizontal ridges in your fingernails, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the cause.
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Vertical ridges can be a sign of a thyroid disease
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, but they can also be a sign of a thyroid disease. If you have hypothyroidism, you may have thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily. They may look more rounded and your fingertip may be puffy.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or an underlying condition called Beau's lines. Beau's lines are often deep and multiple lines that run horizontally across the fingernail. They can be a sign of a previous or current illness, such as mumps or syphilis, or chemotherapy treatment. If new Beau's lines keep appearing, this could indicate a condition that keeps interrupting nail growth.
It is important to note that your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of ridges in your nails. Treating the underlying cause can smoothen your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical lines in your fingernails are usually harmless and are often a sign of aging.
Horizontal lines in your fingernails can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines, which are often a sign of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.
If you have lines in your fingernails, you should connect to a dermatologist in your area for advice on treating your nails.
