Caleb Foster
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. In some cases, they are harmless and can be caused by ageing, improper nail care, or vitamin deficiencies. However, they can also be a sign of something more serious, such as malnutrition, nail trauma, or even cancer. So, if you notice ridges in your nails, it's important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| White spots or streaks | Normal and nothing to worry about |
| White lines extending across the nails (Muehrcke's lines) | Sign of low levels of protein in the blood, caused by liver disease or malnutrition |
| Dark stripes (linear melanonychia) | Common in black people over 20 years of age, usually normal but can be a form of skin cancer (subungual melanoma) |
| Red or brown streaks underneath the nails (splinter haemorrhages) | Caused by tiny damaged blood vessels, can be a sign of lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, endocarditis or another underlying condition |
| Brown or black colour in the nail (melanonychia) | Can be caused by a range of factors, from harmless to potentially fatal |
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What You'll Learn
- White spots or streaks are normal and nothing to worry about
- Parallel white lines that extend all the way across the nails are a sign of low levels of protein in the blood
- Dark stripes running down the nails are common in black people over 20 years of age
- Red or brown streaks underneath your nails are likely splinter haemorrhages – lines of blood caused by tiny damaged blood vessels
- Melanonychia is a brown or black colour in your nail, which can be harmless or potentially fatal
White spots or streaks are normal and nothing to worry about
White spots or streaks on your nails are usually harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. They can be caused by ageing, improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Dark stripes on nails typically appear due to increased deposits of melanin, which gives skin its colour. Melanonychia can develop due to many causes, including nail cancer, trauma, and other health conditions. If you are concerned about any streaks or spots on your nails, it is best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
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Parallel white lines that extend all the way across the nails are a sign of low levels of protein in the blood
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. They can also be harmless. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Certain nutritional deficiencies can also affect your nails. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails. Other vitamin deficiencies that can contribute to the health of your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D.
Parallel white lines that extend all the way across the nails could be a sign of low levels of protein in the blood. This is known as melanonychia. Dark stripes on nails typically appear due to increased deposits of melanin, which gives skin its colour. Melanonychia can develop due to many causes, including nail cancer, trauma, and other health conditions.
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Dark stripes running down the nails are common in black people over 20 years of age
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. They can also be harmless. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. They can also be caused by improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or a more pressing medical condition.
Dark stripes on nails typically appear due to increased deposits of melanin, which gives skin its colour. Melanonychia can develop due to many causes, including nail cancer, trauma, and other health conditions. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and protein can cause dark lines in nails. A dark vertical line on the nail can indicate nail melanoma. It can also occur with other benign causes and requires diagnosis by a healthcare professional.
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Red or brown streaks underneath your nails are likely splinter haemorrhages – lines of blood caused by tiny damaged blood vessels
Red or brown streaks underneath your nails are likely splinter haemorrhages, which are lines of blood caused by tiny damaged blood vessels. This is known as longitudinal erythronychia, which is the presence of one or more linear red bands in the nail unit. This can be localized, involving only one nail, or polydactylous, involving more than one nail. The localized form is usually due to a neoplastic process, whereas involvement of more than one nail may indicate an underlying regional or systemic disease.
Splinter haemorrhages are usually harmless, but they can be a sign of a current or past illness or injury. They can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, zinc, or vitamins A, C, and D. In some cases, they may indicate a more serious medical condition, such as nail cancer, trauma, or other health issues.
If you notice red or brown streaks underneath your nails, it is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Treating the underlying cause can help improve the appearance of your nails and ensure your overall health and well-being.
It is important to pay attention to any changes in your nails, as they can provide valuable insights into your health. Ridges, streaks, or other abnormalities may indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from nutrient deficiencies to more serious illnesses. By seeking professional advice and taking appropriate action, you can address any underlying issues and maintain optimal nail and overall health.
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Melanonychia is a brown or black colour in your nail, which can be harmless or potentially fatal
Melanonychia is a condition that causes brown or black discolouration in the nails. It can be caused by a number of factors, including increased deposits of melanin, which gives skin its colour. Other causes include nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies (such as a lack of vitamin B12, vitamin D, or protein), and certain health conditions. In some cases, melanonychia may be a sign of nail cancer or melanoma, and it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.
Ridges in the nails, whether vertical or horizontal, can also be a sign of health conditions or previous injuries. They are usually harmless and may be due to ageing, improper nail care, or nutrient deficiencies. However, they can also indicate more serious issues such as malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies, including a lack of iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, or vitamin D.
Longitudinal erythronychia is another condition that can cause red streaks in the nails. It can be localized to one nail or involve multiple nails, with the latter potentially indicating an underlying regional or systemic disease.
If you notice any discolouration or ridges in your nails, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Vertical streaks are usually a sign of ageing. They can also be caused by a nutrient deficiency, such as a lack of iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, or vitamin D.
Horizontal streaks can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. They can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12, vitamin D, or protein.
Yes, streaks in your nails can be caused by a current or past injury to the nail.
Yes, dark vertical streaks in particular can indicate nail melanoma.
Streaks in your nails can also be caused by improper nail care or an underlying regional or systemic disease.
