Liam Carter
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a current or past illness or injury, or a nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. However, sometimes ridges are harmless.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical lines | Sign of ageing, vitamin or nutrient deficiency, dry skin, eczema, thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, or repeated trauma to the nails |
| Horizontal lines | Malnutrition, serious nail injury, Beau's lines, or a sign of a current or past illness |
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What You'll Learn
Vertical ridges on nails can be a sign of vitamin or nutrient deficiency
Health conditions that can cause vertical nail ridges include skin conditions such as dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. Thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism, can also cause vertical ridges, with nails becoming thick, brittle, and prone to crumbling or breaking.
Horizontal ridges or dents in the nails, also known as Beau's lines, can be caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or certain health conditions. If you are concerned about ridges in your nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
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Horizontal ridges can be a sign of malnutrition
Horizontal ridges on the nails, also known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of malnutrition. Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that may suggest a serious condition. They can also be caused by a serious nail injury or chemotherapy.
If you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it's important to speak to a healthcare professional. Your nails can provide important information about your health, and you won't know if you need treatment until you find out what's causing the ridges.
Other nail changes to mention to a healthcare provider include changes to the shape of your nails, such as nail clubbing or spoon-shaped nails, and colour changes, including white, green, yellow or dark marks. Dents (nail pitting) and redness and swelling around one or more of your nails are also important signs to look out for.
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Ridges can be a sign of a current or past illness
Ridges on the nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a current or past illness. Vertical ridges are commonly associated with ageing, but they can also be a sign of a skin condition, such as eczema, or a thyroid disease, such as hypothyroidism. Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of a serious condition, such as malnutrition, a serious nail injury, or chemotherapy. If you notice new ridges or lines on your nails, it is important to tell your healthcare provider so they can determine the cause and provide treatment if necessary.
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Ridges can be a sign of a previous injury to your nail
Ridges on the nails can be a sign of a previous injury to the nail. Beau's lines, which are deep horizontal ridges, can be caused by something interrupting nail growth, such as a serious nail injury. They can also be caused by malnutrition or chemotherapy. Vertical ridges, on the other hand, are usually a sign of ageing, although they can also be caused by skin conditions such as dry skin or eczema, or by thyroid disease.
If you notice new ridges or lines in your nails, it's important to tell your healthcare provider. While you may not need treatment, you won't know until you find out what's causing the ridges. Other nail changes to mention to a healthcare provider include changes to the shape of your nails, such as nail clubbing or spoon-shaped nails, and colour changes, such as white, green, yellow or dark marks. Your nails can provide important information about your health, so if you have nail ridges, don't ignore them.
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Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing
Vertical ridges on the nails are usually a sign of ageing. These are also known as longitudinal ridges and are common in older adults. They are harmless and not dangerous. However, 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. For example, ridges may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes.
Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, may suggest a serious condition. Horizontal ridges can be caused by malnutrition, serious nail injury, or chemotherapy. They may happen when something interrupts your nail growth.
Other nail changes to mention to a healthcare provider include changes to the shape of your nails, including nail clubbing or spoon-shaped nails, and colour changes, including white, green, yellow or dark marks. If you have nail ridges, don’t ignore them. Talk to your provider so you can find out the cause and how to treat it, if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical lines on the nails are usually harmless and can be a sign of ageing. They can also be caused by skin conditions such as dry skin or eczema, or by thyroid disease.
Horizontal lines on the nails can be caused by nail trauma, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot. They can also be caused by using artificial nails or getting gel manicures for long periods. Horizontal lines are also known as Beau's lines.
No, lines on the nails are often harmless. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury, so it's always a good idea to get them checked out by a doctor if you're concerned.
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