Ava Monroe
Ridges on your fingernails can be a sign of ageing or a health condition such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or nutrient deficiency. They can also be caused by damage to the nail, such as from an injury or the use of artificial nails or gel manicures. While ridges on your fingernails are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious medical problem. It is important to pay attention to any changes in your nails and consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any ridges or other abnormalities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, vitamin or nutrient deficiency, injury, skin conditions, underlying health conditions |
| Treatment | Moisturise nails and cuticles, apply skin cream and wear cotton gloves to bed, take biotin supplements, treat underlying cause |
| When to seek medical advice | If ridges are accompanied by other symptoms, if home treatment does not improve appearance |
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Ageing
Ridges on your fingernails are a common sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, or onychorrhexis, are one of the most common indications of ageing, extending from the bottom of the nail to the tip. These ridges are usually harmless and are present in most people when they are younger, becoming more pronounced over time as nails naturally get thinner and more brittle. This is possibly due to a slowing of cell turnover, where new skin cells produced below the surface rise up to replace dead cells being discarded from the surface.
While vertical ridges are usually benign, they can occasionally indicate an underlying medical issue, such as vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. For example, low levels of iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), or protein can cause vertical nail ridges. Additionally, health conditions like dry skin and dehydration of the nail plate, psoriasis, lichen planus, and other inflammatory skin conditions can also lead to vertical ridges. Repeated manicures or pedicures and exposure to chemicals in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can also make these ridges more visible.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, are often indicative of more serious conditions. Deep horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can be caused by various factors, including chemotherapy, damage from using artificial nails or gel manicures, injury to the nail, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness with a high fever, and certain nutritional deficiencies like zinc deficiency. These horizontal ridges can interrupt nail growth, and addressing the underlying condition is crucial for promoting nail health.
If you notice ridges on your fingernails, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. While home care, such as moisturising and nail buffing, can improve the appearance of your nails, treating any underlying health conditions is the most effective way to promote smoother nail growth.
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Vitamin or mineral deficiency
Ridges on your fingernails can be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiency. While they are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate a health problem.
Vertical ridges on nails can be a sign of vitamin deficiency or other nutrient deficiencies. For instance, you may notice vertical ridges if you have an eating disorder or are low in nutrients such as iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), or protein.
Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can be caused by a lack of zinc. A zinc deficiency can lead to depressions across the fingernails and white spots on the nails. Iron deficiency can also cause horizontal ridges, resulting in koilonychia, or spoon nails, which have a scooped-out depression in the middle.
If you suspect that your fingernail ridges are due to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, it is important to consult a healthcare provider. They can help determine the underlying cause and advise on any necessary dietary changes or supplements.
Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as frequent gel manicures, the use of artificial nails, or the removal of manicures with acetone, can also contribute to nail ridges.
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Skin conditions
Ridges on your fingernails can be a sign of ageing, but they can also point to skin conditions.
Dry skin and eczema can cause vertical ridges on your nails. If you have very dry skin, applying a heavy moisturising cream to your nails and cuticles during the day can help. At bedtime, apply a skin cream to your hands and cover them with thin cotton gloves.
Other inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis and lichen planus, can also cause vertical nail ridges.
If you have a skin condition, a dermatologist can advise on a treatment plan. This may include moisturisers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce symptoms.
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Illness or injury
Ridges on your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past illness or injury. They are usually harmless, but they can indicate a health problem. If you notice new ridges or lines in your nails, you should inform your healthcare provider to determine the cause and rule out any health conditions.
Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can be a sign of a serious condition or illness. They may indicate an interruption in nail growth due to an underlying condition. Beau's lines have been associated with acute kidney disease, diabetes, and chemotherapy treatment. Peripheral vascular disease (PAD) and severe illnesses with high fevers, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia, can also cause these horizontal lines.
Vertical ridges, on the other hand, are often associated with aging due to a slowing of cell turnover. However, they can also be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, or even a more pressing medical condition like thyroid disease.
In some cases, ridges may be a result of improper nail care or trauma. This includes damage from using artificial nails, gel manicures, or acrylics. Additionally, certain nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc deficiency, can cause both horizontal and vertical ridges. For example, zinc deficiency may result in Beau's lines and white spots, while iron deficiency can lead to vertical ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails).
If you experience nail changes due to an injury, it is recommended to observe how the nail and finger heal for a few weeks. However, if the injury is severe or causes other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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Thyroid disease
Ridges on your fingernails can be a sign of ageing, or they may be harmless. However, they can also indicate a current or past illness or nutrient deficiency. If you notice ridges on your fingernails, it is important to get them checked by a doctor or dermatologist, as they may be a sign of thyroid disease or another serious medical condition.
Some signs of thyroid disease in the nails include thick, dry, and brittle nails with visible ridges. The nails may also be soft, shiny, and easily crumble or break. Additionally, there may be changes in the shape of the nails, such as nail clubbing or spoon-shaped nails, and colour changes, such as white, green, yellow, or dark marks. Other signs to look out for include swollen fingertips, curved nails, and thickening skin above the nail.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation. They will examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you may be experiencing. Blood and urine tests may be ordered to check for underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Treating the underlying cause of the nail ridges will usually allow smoother, healthier nails to grow in.
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Frequently asked questions
Ridges on your fingernails can be caused by various factors, including age, vitamin or nutrient deficiency, and certain health conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or peripheral vascular disease.
Vertical ridges on fingernails, also known as onychorrhexis, are commonly associated with age. They may become more noticeable over time as nails tend to get thinner and more brittle. However, they can also indicate vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, such as iron, folic acid, or protein deficiencies.
Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can indicate a more serious underlying condition. These ridges are often caused by interrupted nail growth due to trauma, chemotherapy, or certain health issues like diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
Treating ridges focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If the ridges are caused by a health condition, managing that condition may help reduce the appearance of ridges. Maintaining proper nail care, such as moisturising, avoiding biting or cutting cuticles, and limiting the use of artificial nails or gel manicures, can also help improve the appearance of your nails.
