Sophia Delgado
Ridges in your fingernails or toenails can be a sign of a current or past illness, or a previous injury to your nail. They can also be a sign of aging, or a nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail down to the cuticle, and are sometimes called longitudinal striations or bands. Horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vertical ridges | Sign of aging, iron deficiency, or a slowing of cell turnover |
| Horizontal ridges | Malnutrition, serious nail injury, Beau's lines, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes |
| Deep horizontal ridges | Beau's lines, a serious condition |
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What You'll Learn
Ridges in nails can be a sign of ageing
However, ridges in nails can also be a sign of a health condition, a previous injury, or a nutrient deficiency. Horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, may suggest a serious condition. They can be caused by malnutrition, a serious nail injury, or a vitamin deficiency. If you are concerned about ridges in your nails, you should consult a healthcare professional.
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Ridges can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of 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. 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. 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 your fingernails or toenails can be a sign of a current or past illness. Your healthcare provider can help you determine why you have ridges in your nails. Usually, your nails will become smoother if you treat the underlying cause. Ridges in the nails are visible lines or dents that may run vertically (up and down) or horizontally (across) the nail.
Most of the time, ridges in fingernails are a typical sign of ageing. However, it’s important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes. These might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, 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.
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Ridges may be caused by a previous injury
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of a previous injury. 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. 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 the health of your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D.
Ridges in your nails can also be a sign of a current or past illness. Your healthcare provider can help you determine why you have ridges in your nails. Usually, your nails will become smoother if you treat the underlying cause.
Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults, possibly due to a slowing of cell turnover. This 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. If you experience other symptoms like texture changes in your nails, it may be caused by a medical condition.
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Ridges can be a sign of a current or past illness
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of a current or past illness. 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 may suggest a serious condition. Ridges 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.
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Ridges can be a sign of diabetes
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can sometimes be a sign of a health 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. 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 your nails can also be a sign of diabetes.
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Frequently asked questions
Ridges in thumbnails can be a sign of ageing, a nutrient deficiency, or a previous injury to the nail.
Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your thumbnail down to the cuticle. They are sometimes called longitudinal striations or bands.
Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, may suggest a serious condition. They can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or a previous illness.
Your thumbnails will usually become smoother if you treat the underlying cause.
Vitamins that can contribute to thumbnail health include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D. According to 2018 research, biotin is also highly recommended to aid in nail health.
