Noah Sinclair
Ridges in nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. In some cases, ridges in nails can be a symptom of a skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, genetics, improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, medical conditions, skin diseases, thyroid issues |
| Appearance | Vertical or horizontal ridges, thinness, discolouration, misshapenness |
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What You'll Learn
Ridges in nails can be a sign of ageing
Some people are genetically predisposed to weak, brittle nails that are susceptible to ridging. For example, Witkop syndrome is a hereditary genetic disease that leads to vertical ridging in fingernails. As you get older, circulation to your extremities can slow down, which can also cause ridges in your nails.
If your ridged nails have also become thinner, split, discoloured, or misshapen, it's important to schedule a visit with your dermatologist to get to the bottom of the problem. Ridges in nails can also point to a skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia (an infection of the nail folds that makes the skin swollen and red).
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Ridges can also be caused by malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Ridges can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies. 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. 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.
Ridges in nails can also be a sign of skin disease, such as eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia (an infection of the nail folds that makes the skin swollen and red). An over or underactive thyroid can also affect the hormones in charge of nail, skin, and hair growth, resulting in ridged nails in some cases.
In some cases, ridges in nails can be hereditary. Witkop syndrome is a hereditary genetic disease that leads to vertical ridging in fingernails, and toenail koilonychia, which causes indented nails called spoon nails.
If your ridged nails have also become thinner, split, discoloured, or misshapen, it is recommended that you schedule a visit with your dermatologist to get to the bottom of the problem.
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Ridges can be a sign of skin disease, such as eczema or psoriasis
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes be a sign of a skin disease such as eczema or psoriasis. Ridges can also be caused by chronic paronychia, an infection of the nail folds that makes the skin swollen and red. If your nails are also thin, split, discoloured or misshapen, it's worth seeing a dermatologist to get to the bottom of the 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. They can also be a sign of improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or a more pressing medical condition. For example, an over or underactive thyroid can affect the hormones in charge of nail, skin, and hair growth, resulting in ridged nails.
Some people are genetically predisposed to weak, brittle nails that are susceptible to ridging. As you get older, circulation to your extremities can slow down, which can also cause ridges. Witkop syndrome is a hereditary genetic disease that leads to vertical ridging in fingernails.
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Ridges can be caused by nail trauma or injury
Ridges in nails are usually harmless but can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying issue. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Nail trauma or injury can cause ridges, but it is important to note that there are other potential causes. For example, certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails. Iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges, while vitamins A, C, and D, as well as zinc and biotin, are all important for nail health.
In some cases, ridges in nails can be a sign of a skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia, which is an infection of the nail folds that causes redness and swelling. An over or underactive thyroid can also affect the hormones responsible for nail, skin, and hair growth, resulting in ridged nails.
Additionally, there are hereditary genetic diseases that can lead to vertical ridging in fingernails, such as Witkop syndrome, which is characterised by missing teeth and toenail koilonychia, or spoon nails.
If you are concerned about ridges in your nails, particularly if they are accompanied by thinning, splitting, discolouration, or misshapen nails, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Ridges can be a sign of a thyroid issue
Ridges in nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, they can also be a sign of an over or underactive thyroid, which affects the hormones in charge of nail, skin and hair growth. If you have an over or underactive thyroid, you may experience ridged nails, as well as changes in your skin and hair.
Ridges can also be a sign of malnutrition, serious nail injury, Beau's lines, improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or a more pressing medical condition. 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.
In some cases, ridges can be a sign of a skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia (an infection of the nail folds that makes the skin swollen and red). If you have ridges in your nails, it's important to inspect your skin and fingertips for signs of redness and rash. If you are concerned about the appearance of ridges in your nails, it's a good idea to schedule a visit with your dermatologist.
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Frequently asked questions
Rigid nails are usually harmless and are often a sign of ageing. However, if your nails are also discoloured, misshapen, or have become thinner, you should consult a dermatologist.
Horizontal lines on your nails can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau’s lines.
Vertical lines are often a sign of ageing, but they can also be caused by an iron deficiency or a genetic disease such as Witkop syndrome.
Yes, skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia (an infection of the nail folds that makes the skin swollen and red) can cause ridges in your nails.
Yes, an over or underactive thyroid can affect the hormones in charge of nail, skin, and hair growth, resulting in ridged nails.
