Isla Bennett
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical ridges | Sign of ageing, vitamin deficiency, or other nutrient deficiency |
| Horizontal ridges | Sign of malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines |
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What You'll Learn
Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing
Vertical ridges in the nail bed are often a sign of ageing. This is one of the most common causes of tiny vertical nail ridges, also known as onychorrhexis, which extend from the bottom of the nail to the tip. Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail down to the cuticle and are sometimes called longitudinal striations or bands. They are usually harmless and are due to a slowing of cell turnover, which is when new skin cells produced below the surface of your skin rise up to take the place of discarding dead cells from the surface.
Vertical ridges can also be a sign of vitamin or nutrient deficiency, such as iron, folic acid (vitamin B9) or protein deficiency. They can also be caused by inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis or lichen planus, or by repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures. Chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can also make vertical nail ridges more visible.
In some cases, vertical ridges may be a sign of a more pressing medical condition. For example, deeper horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or a more serious underlying medical condition. It is recommended to keep nails moisturised and trimmed and to check with a dermatologist for further considerations.
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Horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate different health issues. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, are deep indentations that run across the nail. They can be a sign of malnutrition, indicating that you are low in nutrients such as iron, folic acid (vitamin B9) or protein. Beau's lines can also be caused by a serious nail injury, such as nail trauma.
According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to ageing. However, 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 nail health include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D.
If you are experiencing nail ridges, it is recommended to stick with moisturising your nails, keeping them trimmed, and checking with a dermatologist for further considerations. While ridges are usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical problem.
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Ridges can be a sign of improper nail care
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 issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau’s lines. Beau's lines are indentations running across your nail. 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.
If you are experiencing ridges in your nails, it is recommended to stick with moisturising your nails, keeping them trimmed, and checking with a dermatologist for further considerations.
Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail down to the cuticle. They are sometimes called longitudinal striations or bands. They are not uncommon, especially with age, and usually, they’re nothing to worry about. However, occasionally, vertical ridges on nails can be a sign of an underlying medical issue, as can deeper horizontal ridges on nails.
Health conditions that can cause vertical fingernail ridges include dry skin accompanied by dehydration of the nail plate, psoriasis, lichen planus and other inflammatory skin conditions.
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Vertical ridges can be caused by vitamin deficiencies
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a vitamin 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. According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to ageing. But they can also be a sign of improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition.
Vertical ridges on nails can be a sign of vitamin deficiency or other nutrient deficiency. You may notice them if you have an eating disorder or if you're low in nutrients such as iron, folic acid (vitamin B9) or protein. Health conditions that can cause vertical fingernail ridges include dry skin accompanied by dehydration of the nail plate, psoriasis, lichen planus and other inflammatory skin conditions.
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. 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.
Repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures and chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can also make vertical nail ridges more visible.
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Deep horizontal ridges may suggest a serious condition
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying medical condition. 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 deep horizontal ridges that may suggest a serious condition.
According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to ageing. 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.
Health conditions that can cause vertical fingernail ridges include dry skin accompanied by dehydration of the nail plate, psoriasis, lichen planus, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures and chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can also make vertical nail ridges more visible.
If you experience other symptoms like texture changes in your nails, it may be caused by a medical condition. It is recommended to stick with moisturising your nails, keeping them trimmed, and checking with a dermatologist for further considerations.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical ridges on nails are usually a sign of aging, but they can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, folic acid or protein.
Horizontal ridges on nails can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Ridges on nails are usually harmless, but it's recommended to moisturise your nails, keep them trimmed, and check with a dermatologist for further advice.
