Noah Sinclair
While nails might seem like an uneventful body part, they can actually give you a glimpse into your overall health. If something is going on in your body, your nails could start to change, sometimes developing ridges or wrinkles. Depending on what the ridges look like, you might want to schedule a visit to the doctor. For example, horizontal ridges often point to an underlying condition, whereas vertical ridges are usually harmless.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, eczema, psoriasis, chronic paronychia, nutrient deficiency, thyroid issues, anaemia, arthritis, cardiovascular problems, melanoma, endocarditis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis |
| Appearance | Vertical or horizontal lines, white spots, bumps, discolouration, thinning, splitting, misshapen |
| Treatment | Ridge fillers, nail polish, gentle buffing, varied and healthy diet, topical treatments |
| Prevention | Avoid nail biting, picking, or over-washing, use glass nail file, keep nails short |
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What You'll Learn
Ridges in fingernails can be a sign of ageing
While vertical ridges are harmless and not usually a cause for concern, horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, often indicate an underlying condition. These lines can be a sign of disease or a remnant of an old injury. They may also be caused by manicures, jamming your finger in a door, or other mechanical trauma. Beau's lines may also appear in people who have undergone chemotherapy. If horizontal ridges appear, it is best to consult a doctor.
Ridges in the fingernails can also be a sign of other systemic problems. For example, an over or underactive thyroid can affect the hormones responsible for nail, skin, and hair growth, resulting in ridged nails. If all 20 finger and toenails develop Beau's lines simultaneously, it could indicate an infection like pneumonia, mumps, or syphilis or a problem with the heart, liver, or kidneys.
In rare cases, fingernail ridges could be a sign of anaemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or cardiovascular problems. A single ridge in the middle of the nail could indicate a nutrient deficiency, such as a lack of protein or folic acid. Vitamin deficiencies, such as iron, folic acid, or protein deficiency, can also contribute to ridges in nails. Digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis, can also influence the nails.
While nail ridges are not painful and are typically harmless, they can be unsightly. Ridge fillers can help smooth out the appearance of nail ridges, providing a smooth canvas for nail polish.
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Horizontal nail ridges may indicate an underlying health condition
Horizontal nail ridges, also known as Beau's lines, are less common than vertical nail ridges and often indicate an underlying health condition. They are often benign and may be due to mechanical trauma, such as manicures, jamming your finger in the door, or picking your nails. However, they can also be a sign of more serious conditions.
If you notice horizontal nail ridges, it is important to inspect your skin and fingertips for any signs of redness or rash, as they may indicate a skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic paronychia. Additionally, Beau's lines can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, such as protein or folic acid deficiency. Digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis, can also contribute to the development of horizontal nail ridges.
In rare cases, horizontal nail ridges could be a sign of more serious conditions, including anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or cardiovascular problems. If all 20 finger and toenails develop Beau's lines simultaneously, it could indicate an infection like pneumonia, mumps, or syphilis, or a problem with the heart, liver, or kidneys. Horizontal nail ridges may also be a sign of a thyroid disorder, as an over or underactive thyroid can affect the hormones responsible for nail, skin, and hair growth.
If you notice horizontal nail ridges accompanied by other symptoms such as thinning, splitting, discolouration, or misshapen nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
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Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless
Ridges in the fingernails can be a sign of an underlying condition and can indicate overall health. While horizontal ridges often point to an underlying condition, vertical nail ridges are usually harmless. Vertical ridges are the most common type of nail ridge and are typically not a cause for concern. They are a normal sign of aging, as the body has a harder time retaining moisture, and the nails change in the same way that the skin gets drier and the hair feels rougher.
Vertical nail ridges are raised lines that run from the cuticle to the tip of the fingernail. They are often accompanied by white spots or lines and can feel uneven, bumpy, or raised. While they are not usually painful, they can be a cosmetic concern for some people. In such cases, a dermatologist may be able to help, and there are also at-home treatments that can reduce their appearance.
Vertical nail ridges can be exacerbated by everyday hand and nail care practices, such as hand washing, sanitizing, and the use of pure acetone nail polish remover. Acrylic, gel, or dip manicures can also worsen the issue if the nail is over-buffed during removal, thinning the nail plate and making it more prone to breakage. Electric files or aggressive scraping used to remove acrylic nails can also damage the nail matrix and cause surface irregularities.
While vertical nail ridges are typically harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of other medical disorders. For example, digestive disorders that affect the absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis, can impact the health of the nails. Vitamin deficiencies, such as iron, folic acid, or protein deficiency, can also contribute to ridges in the nails. If vertical nail ridges appear alongside other symptoms, such as thinning, splitting, discolouration, or misshapen nails, it may be a sign of an underlying condition, and a doctor or dermatologist should be consulted.
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Ridges can be caused by skin conditions like eczema
Ridges on nails can be a sign of underlying health conditions. While vertical ridges are usually harmless, horizontal ridges may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
Nail eczema can cause pitting in the nails, which looks like dents made by a sharp object, such as an ice pick. It can also cause grooved and thin nails. People with long-standing eczema can develop nail changes, including pits and ridges, thickened nails, and discolouration.
Treatment for nail eczema involves avoiding triggers, such as triggering products, and keeping your hands dry. Medications such as topical steroids can also be used.
If you notice changes to your nails, it is best to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
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Vitamin deficiencies can contribute to wrinkled nails
Wrinkled nails, or ridges in the fingernails, can be caused by various factors, including ageing, injury, overexposure to moisture, and vitamin deficiencies. While vertical ridges are usually harmless, horizontal ridges often indicate an underlying condition.
Iron deficiency, in particular, can result in a condition called koilonychia, where nails take on a flattened appearance before becoming scooped out or spoon-shaped. In addition to dietary changes, doctors may recommend treating iron deficiency with supplements or infusions and addressing underlying health conditions that affect iron absorption, such as celiac disease.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause changes in nail colour, such as dusky red half-moons, which may be indicative of underlying conditions like lupus, heart disease, or arthritis. White lines or streaks on the nails may be another sign of vitamin deficiency, specifically a lack of zinc, calcium, or B-complex vitamins. All-white or mostly white nails could indicate a selenium deficiency.
Digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis, can also impact nail health. In such cases, addressing the underlying condition is crucial for treating nail ridges. Eating a varied and healthy diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is generally recommended to promote strong and healthy nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Wrinkled nails, or nail ridges, are often a sign of aging. They can also be caused by frequent hand washing, the use of nail polish remover, or certain manicures. In rare cases, they could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, or cardiovascular problems.
Horizontal lines on your nails are known as Beau's lines. They can be caused by trauma to the nail matrix, such as picking your nails or jamming your finger in a door. In rare cases, they could be a sign of a more serious infection or condition.
Vertical lines on your nails are the most common type of nail ridge and are typically harmless. They are usually caused by the aging process, but can also be influenced by vitamin deficiencies or digestive disorders.
No, nail polish can actually draw more attention to ridges. Ridge fillers, followed by nail polish, can help to smooth out the appearance of ridges.
If your nail ridges appear suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms such as discolouration, splitting, or thinning, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist.
