Sophia Delgado
Stripes on your nails can be a cause for concern, especially if they seem to have appeared from nowhere. Stripes can come in different forms, including vertical or horizontal ridges, white or black stripes. Vertical stripes are usually caused by ageing or trauma to the nail, but horizontal stripes could be a sign of trauma, infection or an illness. Stripes can also be caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies, or dry skin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stripes colour | White or black |
| Stripes type | Vertical or horizontal |
| Vertical stripes cause | Aging, trauma to the nail, vitamin or mineral deficiency |
| Horizontal stripes cause | Trauma, infection, illness |
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What You'll Learn
- Vertical stripes on nails can be caused by ageing or trauma to the nail
- Horizontal stripes on nails can be caused by trauma, infection or illness
- White or black stripes on nails can be caused by trauma, vitamin deficiency or injury
- Stripes on nails can be caused by low levels of protein, vitamin A or zinc
- Stripes on nails can be caused by dry skin
Vertical stripes on nails can be caused by ageing or trauma to the nail
Vertical stripes on nails are usually harmless and can be caused by ageing, trauma to the nail, or vitamin deficiencies. However, they can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition. For example, dark stripes on nails can be caused by an increase in deposits of melanin, which gives skin its colour, and can be a sign of cancer. White stripes can be a symptom of Hailey-Hailey disease or Darier disease, which are both rare inherited diseases. If you are concerned about stripes on your nails, you should consult a doctor.
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Horizontal stripes on nails can be caused by trauma, infection or illness
Horizontal stripes on nails, also known as Beau's Lines, can be caused by trauma, infection or illness. Stripes on nails can also be caused by vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as low levels of protein, vitamin A or zinc. If you are unsure about the underlying cause, it is best to arrange a visit to your doctor.
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White or black stripes on nails can be caused by trauma, vitamin deficiency or injury
White stripes on nails can be a sign of Hailey-Hailey disease or Darier disease, which are both rare autosomal dominant genodermatoses. Patients with Hailey-Hailey disease may have nails with multiple parallel longitudinal white stripes of variable width originating in the lunula and most prominent on the thumbs. They may also have recurrent vesicular eruptions in flexural skin areas, such as the groin, axilla, neck, and periumbilical area causing significant morbidity.
Black stripes on nails are called melanonychia and are usually due to increased deposits of melanin, which gives skin its colour. Melanonychia may appear in one nail or several and can occur naturally if you have a dark complexion. Melanonychia can also be malignant or cancerous and may need to be removed.
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. 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 affect your nails, such as iron deficiency, which may cause vertical ridges. Other vitamins that can contribute to the health of your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D.
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Stripes on nails can be caused by low levels of protein, vitamin A or zinc
If you are concerned about stripes on your nails, it is best to speak to your doctor. In the meantime, you can try increasing your vitamin intake to promote nail health and prevent stripes from appearing. A good multivitamin should help.
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Stripes on nails can be caused by dry skin
Vertical stripes or ridges are quite common and usually don’t signify anything serious. The usual reason for vertical stripes is ageing or trauma to the nail. However, if you are worried, you should speak to your doctor. Horizontal stripes (Beau’s Lines) may be down to trauma, infection or an illness. White or black stripes may also be present on the fingernails. These could also be from trauma, vitamin deficiency or injury. If you are unsure about the underlying cause, it is best to arrange a visit to your doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
Dark stripes on nails can be a sign of melanonychia, which is caused by an increase in melanin deposits. Melanonychia may be malignant or cancerous, so you should get it checked by a doctor.
White stripes on nails can be a sign of Hailey-Hailey disease or Darier disease.
If melanonychia is malignant or cancerous, the tumour or cancerous area must be removed. This may mean losing all or part of your nail.
Patients with Hailey-Hailey disease may have nails with multiple parallel longitudinal white stripes of variable width originating in the lunula and most prominent on the thumbs. They also have recurrent vesicular eruptions in flexural skin areas, such as the groin, axilla, neck, and periumbilical area.
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless and can be caused by ageing, improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or other medical conditions.
