Noah Sinclair
Ridges in your fingernails can be harmless, but they can also indicate a health problem. Vertical ridges are usually benign and are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or a condition called Beau's lines, which can indicate a severe infection, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. If you notice new ridges or other nail changes, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and rule out any underlying conditions. Treating the underlying cause can help promote smoother nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Horizontal nail ridges | Deep horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can be a symptom of a serious condition. They may be caused by malnutrition, severe infections, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or acute kidney disease. |
| Vertical nail ridges | Commonly develop in older adults due to a slowing of cell turnover. Can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, protein deficiency, aging, anemia, or other health conditions. |
| Nail colour changes | White, green, yellow, or dark marks may indicate a more serious issue. |
| Nail shape changes | Nail clubbing or spoon-shaped nails can indicate an underlying condition. |
| Nail pitting | Small indentations on the nail surface may be caused by psoriasis, fungal infections, or certain autoimmune diseases. |
| Redness and swelling | Inflammation around the nails can indicate an infection or other medical issue. |
| Dry and brittle nails | Dehydration, frequent manicures or pedicures, and chemicals in nail products can contribute to dry and brittle nails, making ridges more pronounced. |
| Skin conditions | Eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions can cause ridges and discolouration. |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Digestive disorders such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis can affect nutrient absorption, impacting nail health. |
| Nail trauma | Injuries, such as dropping objects on the nails, can cause bruising, discolouration, and changes in nail shape. |
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Ageing
Ridges in fingernails are a common sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, in particular, are often associated with older adults. This is due to a slowing of cell turnover, which causes slight vertical ridges to develop. Over time, these ridges may become more pronounced as nails naturally thin and become more brittle.
While vertical ridges are typically harmless and are a usual occurrence with ageing, they can occasionally indicate an underlying medical issue. For example, vitamin deficiencies and inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis can cause vertical ridges. Additionally, repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures and exposure to chemicals in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can make vertical ridges more visible.
Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, are often indicative of more serious health concerns. Deep horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can be a symptom of conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or malnutrition. They may also be caused by trauma to the nails, such as from closing a door on your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe. Using artificial nails or gel manicures for extended periods can also contribute to horizontal ridges.
It is important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and consult a doctor if there are concerns. While ridges are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate more serious medical problems. A doctor can examine the nails, consider the patient's medical history, and order any necessary tests to determine the underlying cause of the ridges.
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Health conditions
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of ageing, as vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. They can also indicate vitamin or nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc, iron, vitamin A, C, or D. Iron deficiency, in particular, can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, also known as spoon nails.
However, fingernail ridges can also be a sign of more serious health conditions. Deep horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, may suggest an underlying health problem. These can be caused by chemotherapy, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness with a high fever, or diabetes. They can also be a result of injury to the nail, such as dropping something on your foot.
Nail discolouration can also indicate various health conditions. Yellow nails, for example, are commonly caused by a fungal infection, but can also indicate severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes, or psoriasis. Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen, possibly indicating a lung problem such as emphysema, or a heart problem. Reddish-brown discolouration under the nail is common and can be caused by inflammation, which may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.
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Nutrient deficiencies
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a nutrient or mineral deficiency. While they are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious health problem.
Zinc deficiency can cause horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, as well as white spots on your nails. Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, or spoon nails, which have a depression in the middle.
If you are experiencing nail ridges, you should speak to a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. They may suggest taking supplements to boost your levels of iron or zinc, for example.
It is important to pay attention to fingernail ridges and other nail changes, as they might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. Ridges in the fingernails can be a typical sign of aging, but they can also indicate vitamin deficiencies or even more serious conditions such as acute kidney disease, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease.
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Skin conditions
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a health condition or nutrient deficiency. Skin conditions that can cause vertical fingernail ridges include dry skin and inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and lichen planus. Repeated nail trauma during manicures or pedicures and the use of chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can also make vertical nail ridges more visible.
Horizontal nail ridges, called Beau's lines, are often a symptom of more serious conditions. They may actually stop nail growth until the underlying condition is treated. If Beau’s lines appear, acute kidney disease may also be present. Beau's lines can be caused by chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods, injury to the nail, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness with a high fever (e.g. COVID-19, measles or pneumonia), zinc deficiency, and iron deficiency.
If you experience fingernail ridges, it is important to determine if there is an underlying medical cause that requires treatment, especially if the ridges are horizontal. Treating or managing the underlying medical condition or nutrient deficiency usually allows smoother, healthier nails to grow in. This may take several months, as fingernails only grow a few millimetres per month. If the horizontal ridges are caused by an illness or other short-term issue, they should grow out with the nail plate over time.
If your healthcare provider has ruled out any health conditions, you can treat nail ridges with home care. Applying moisturizer to your nails and cuticles daily can help relieve dry skin or eczema. You can also apply a skin cream to your hands at bedtime and put on thin cotton gloves for sleeping. Take breaks from getting gel manicures or using artificial nails, as these can weaken or dry out your nails.
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Trauma to the nail
Nail trauma can result from a blow to the nail, or by closing the finger or toe in a door or drawer. This often results in blood under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which appears dark red and can be painful. Nails can also be accidentally torn, split, or lifted away from the nail bed due to trauma. Repeated trauma to toenails, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, can lead to deformities that may resemble fungal infections.
Habits such as nail biting and cuticle biting can also cause trauma to the nails. Nail biting is a common cause of acute paronychia, an infection where bacteria get underneath the tissue at the side of the nail, causing swelling and irritation. Repeatedly picking at the nail and cuticle with your finger can produce a line of horizontal hatch marks in the middle of the nail.
If the trauma injures the nail matrix, the tissue inside the cuticle where new nail growth originates, a ridge or split can develop. Fortunately, if the matrix heals normally, the deformity will disappear as the nail regrows.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two types of nail ridges: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, are deeper than vertical ridges and often indicate a more serious health issue. Vertical ridges are very common and usually not a cause for concern.
Horizontal nail ridges can be caused by a variety of factors, including malnutrition, serious nail injury, diabetes, thyroid disease, and acute kidney disease. They can also be a side effect of certain medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs.
Vertical nail ridges are often a sign of aging, as cell turnover slows down with age. They can also be caused by health conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, anemia, psoriasis, and inflammatory skin conditions.
If you notice nail ridges, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. Treating any underlying conditions or nutrient deficiencies can help promote smoother, healthier nail growth. At home, you can improve the appearance of your nails by moisturising your nails and cuticles daily, and applying a skin cream before bed and wearing cotton gloves.
