Sophia Delgado
Healthy nails are an important aspect of personal grooming and can also provide insight into underlying health issues. While changes in nail colour, shape, or texture may be harmless, they could also indicate nutritional deficiencies or more serious conditions. For example, white spots on nails, known as leukonychia, are often associated with mineral deficiencies, although evidence for this is mixed. In some cases, they may be a sign of heavy metal poisoning. Similarly, yellow nails can be caused by smoking or nail products, but they may also be a sign of yellow nail syndrome, a rare disorder associated with respiratory issues and limb swelling. Nail shape can also be indicative of health problems; for instance, spoon-shaped nails may be a sign of anaemia or iron deficiency. Certain nail conditions, such as onychoschizia (brittle nails) and soft nails, can be prevented by reducing exposure to water and chemicals, wearing gloves during water-heavy tasks, and moisturising regularly.
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What You'll Learn
Vertical ridges are often a harmless sign of aging
Vertical ridges on your fingernails are generally harmless and appear later in life, running from the tip of your fingernail to the cuticle. They are not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as colour changes or horizontal ridges. Horizontal ridges, also called Beau's lines, may indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition.
Vertical ridges are typically the result of direct trauma to the nail, and can be smoothed out by gently buffing the surface of the nail. However, it is important to note that excessive buffing can weaken the nail. As such, some people may prefer to use a ridge filler, which temporarily fills in the ridges.
To maintain nail health, it is important to protect the moisture in your nails, just as you would with your skin. Dermatologists recommend rubbing petroleum jelly, vitamin E, or cuticle cream into your cuticles at night. Applying a moisturising cream or hand balm daily can also help keep nails moist, and products containing urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid can help prevent cracking.
Additionally, massaging your fingertips daily increases circulation to the skin around your nails, keeping it healthy and preventing cracking and peeling. Eating foods rich in calcium and iron can also help keep your nails healthy, and supplements like biotin can promote healthy nail growth. However, it is always recommended to check with a healthcare provider before adding new supplements to your regimen.
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Horizontal ridges can indicate an underlying health condition
Horizontal ridges on the nails, also known as "Beau's lines", are often benign and may be caused by trauma to the nail matrix, such as physical damage or something interrupting nail growth. This could be caused by an injury, such as slamming your finger in a door, or the use of artificial nails, gel manicures, or acrylics. They can also be caused by peripheral vascular disease (PAD), severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia, or certain nutritional deficiencies like zinc deficiency.
However, horizontal ridges can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. They have been associated with liver or kidney issues, and people are often surprised to learn how frequently nail changes are linked to medical conditions. For example, horizontal ridges can be a symptom of thyroid disease, with hypothyroidism causing thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Horizontal ridges may also be a sign of iron deficiency, which can cause spoon nails, where the nail appears concave horizontally or vertically.
If you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as colour changes, splitting, or changes in nail shape. A dermatologist can examine your nails and advise on a treatment plan, which may include addressing any underlying health conditions, improving your diet, or taking supplements to boost your nutrient levels. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent nail ridges, seeing a healthcare provider can help manage any underlying causes and improve the appearance of your nails through proper nail care.
It is worth noting that vertical ridges on the nails are typically associated with the ageing process and are not usually a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. However, they can sometimes be indicative of skin conditions such as dry skin or eczema, vitamin deficiencies, or diabetes. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your nails, it is always a good idea to seek professional advice to ensure any underlying health issues are identified and addressed.
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Ridges may be caused by nutrient deficiencies
Ridges on your nails can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies. While vertical ridges generally appear later in life and are not a cause for concern, horizontal ridges, also called Beau's lines, may indicate kidney disease or another underlying condition.
Spoon nails, which are concave in shape, are often a sign of iron deficiency anaemia. They can appear on both the fingernails and toenails. If you observe spoon nails, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
Scattered white spots on the nails can indicate a zinc deficiency. These usually start appearing around middle school age. White spots can also be harmless and the result of minor trauma. However, they can sometimes be a sign of liver or kidney failure.
In addition, brittle nails can be a sign of hypothyroidism or an iron deficiency. They can also be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails, overexposure to moisture or chemicals, or simply ageing.
To address nutrient deficiencies, it is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet. You can also try taking supplements, such as biotin, which promotes healthy nail growth. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding new supplements to your routine.
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Ridges can be caused by skin conditions, such as eczema
Ridges in the fingernails are usually harmless and are a typical sign of aging. Vertical ridges are common in older adults and are caused by a slowing of cell turnover. However, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. For example, vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause vertical ridges to appear. Health conditions such as inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, lichen planus, and psoriasis can also be the cause.
Eczema can cause changes to your nails, specifically pitting, which looks like dents made by a sharp object. More severe cases of nail eczema can cause nail deformity and require medication and lifestyle changes. Pompholyx eczema can affect the nail folds and skin around the nails (cuticles), resulting in swelling. Nail eczema can also cause grooved and thin nails.
If you suspect eczema is causing ridges in your nails, you should see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment for skin conditions like eczema may include moisturizers for your hands or topical ointments and steroids to reduce eczema symptoms.
It is important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes as they might be the first signs of a more serious medical problem.
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Ridges may be a sign of previous trauma to the nail
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of previous trauma to the nail bed, which is the layer of skin underneath the nail. Trauma to the nail bed can cause damage that leads to irregular nail growth and the appearance of ridges. This can be caused by physical injury, such as slamming your finger in a door, or by habits like nail biting, picking at the cuticles, or aggressive nail filing.
The use of certain chemicals can also cause nail trauma. For example, the application and removal of gel nail polish, nail polish remover (which often contains acetone), and the use of nail glue and acrylic nails can all lead to chemical trauma to the nail bed. This can disrupt the normal growth of the nail, resulting in the formation of ridges.
In addition to physical and chemical trauma, previous nail procedures or treatments can also contribute to nail bed trauma. For instance, the frequent use of gel manicures, artificial nails, or acrylics can weaken or dry out the nails, making them more susceptible to damage and the development of ridges. It is important to give your nails breaks from these treatments to allow them to recover and promote healthy nail growth.
If you notice ridges in your fingernails, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They can help determine the underlying cause and provide guidance on proper nail care or medical treatment if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
To keep your nails healthy, it is important to protect their moisture. Dermatologists recommend rubbing petroleum jelly, vitamin E, or cuticle cream into your cuticles at night. Applying a moisturising cream or hand balm daily will also help keep them from drying out. Eating foods rich in calcium will also help keep your nails healthy.
White spots on your nails, also known as leukonychia, are generally harmless and are the result of minor trauma. They can, however, sometimes be a sign of liver or kidney failure.
Brittle nails are usually caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. They can also be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals, or by hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
