Isla Bennett
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of ageing, vitamin or nutrient deficiencies, or an underlying medical condition. While they are usually harmless, it is important to determine if there is a medical cause that requires treatment, especially if you have horizontal nail ridges. If you experience nail changes outside of an injury, it is recommended that you seek medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Previous or current illness, nutrient deficiency, injury to nail, or side effect of manicures and pedicures |
| Appearance | Vertical or horizontal lines or dents |
| Accompanying symptoms | Discoloration, thick, brittle, or rounded nails, puffy fingertips |
| Treatment | Applying moisturizer, treating underlying cause, taking biotin supplements |
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What You'll Learn
Ridges can be a sign of vitamin or nutrient deficiency
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of vitamin or nutrient deficiency. Vertical ridges, in particular, could indicate a lack of certain vitamins or nutrients in your body. While vertical ridges are common as we age, deep and sudden ridges could be indicative of underlying health issues.
Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, folic acid, folate, or keratin can result in fingernail ridges. Iron deficiency often manifests as fatigue and weakness and is crucial for hemoglobin production, the protein responsible for oxygen transport within red blood cells. Anemia, a medical condition that arises from insufficient iron levels, can cause nail ridges. Characteristics include pale skin, breathlessness, dizziness, and additional symptoms like brittle nails and hair loss.
Zinc deficiency is another potential cause of fingernail ridges, leading to Beau's lines and white spots on your nails. Zinc is an essential mineral for metabolism, immune function, and wound healing. Vitamin D deficiency may also be a factor, contributing to impaired wound healing, hair loss, frequent illnesses, and fatigue.
Treating the underlying vitamin or nutrient deficiency can help you grow smoother nails. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to determine the specific cause and rule out any other health conditions. In the meantime, you can improve the appearance of your nails by applying moisturizer to your nails and cuticles daily, wearing cotton gloves to protect your hands, and taking biotin supplements to support nail growth.
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Thyroid disease can cause thick, brittle nails with ridges
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past illness, or a nutrient deficiency. They can also be caused by repeated trauma to the nails, such as during manicures or pedicures, or by chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners.
Thyroid disease, specifically hypothyroidism, can cause thick, brittle nails with ridges. This is because the thyroid gland produces hormones that affect every cell in the body, so when thyroid hormone levels are out of balance, the integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, and nails, can suffer. People with hypothyroidism often experience symptoms such as dry skin, brittle nails, and hair thinning, as the body's systems slow down, causing the skin to renew less quickly, the hair growth cycle to be suppressed, and nail growth to be slowed and compromised.
In addition to hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disease that is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, may also cause nail ridges. This is because Hashimoto's disease can cause a level of chronic inflammation in the body, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and lead to nutritional deficiencies.
If you are experiencing nail ridges, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause can help improve the appearance of your nails and allow healthy nails to grow in. For example, medication for thyroid disease often improves or resolves related nail problems. Additionally, taking supplements, such as iron or zinc, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, may help address any nutrient deficiencies contributing to nail ridges.
It is worth noting that vertical ridges on the nails are very common, especially with aging, and are typically not a cause for concern. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, may warrant more attention, especially if they occur on multiple fingers or if multiple ridges appear on a single nail without an apparent cause, as they may indicate a chronic disease or systemic illness.
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Horizontal ridges often indicate an underlying condition
Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, often indicate an underlying condition. These lines are usually caused by an interruption in nail growth, which can be due to various factors, including nutrient deficiencies, nail injuries, or certain medical conditions.
Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc, can lead to Beau's lines and other nail abnormalities like white spots. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for nail health. Iron deficiency, for example, is associated with vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, or spoon nails. Other nutrients that play a role in nail health include vitamins A, C, D, and B9, as well as protein.
Nail injuries, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something heavy on your toe, can also cause horizontal ridges. These types of injuries can disrupt nail growth and lead to the formation of Beau's lines. It is important to protect your nails from trauma and to seek medical attention if you experience any significant nail injuries.
Additionally, certain medical conditions can contribute to the development of horizontal ridges. Peripheral vascular disease (PAD), diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Raynaud's disease are examples of conditions that can interfere with blood flow to the nail, impacting nail growth and leading to Beau's lines. Severe illnesses with high fevers, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia, can also cause these horizontal ridges.
While horizontal ridges may be a cause for concern, they can often be improved by addressing the underlying condition. Treating nutrient deficiencies, managing medical conditions, and allowing nails to recover from injuries can promote smoother and healthier nail growth. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the specific cause of the ridges and to receive appropriate treatment or guidance.
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Ridges can be caused by manicures, pedicures, and nail polish remover
Ridges on your nails may be a sign of a health condition or a nutrient deficiency. However, in some cases, they are harmless and can be caused by manicures, pedicures, and nail polish remover.
Manicures and pedicures can cause nail ridges if not properly maintained. For example, repeated picking or biting of the nails and cuticles can lead to trauma-induced brittle and ridged nails. Similarly, pushing your cuticles back can create a permanent ridge template for future nail growth. To prevent this, avoid pushing your cuticles back and allow them to remain as a barrier to protect your fingers from dirt and infection.
Gel manicures and pedicures can also lead to nail ridges. The removal process involves soaking nails in acetone, which strips nails of oils and keratin, making them more brittle. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks from gel manicures and pedicures and opt for natural alternatives.
Nail polish remover can also cause nail ridges. Acetone-based removers, in particular, can be drying and damaging to nails, especially if used frequently. To prevent this, reduce the use of nail polish remover by wearing nail polish less often or opting for polishes that do not require harsh removers.
In addition to manicures, pedicures, and nail polish remover, exposure to water and other harsh chemicals, such as cleaning supplies or hand soaps, can contribute to nail ridges. To protect your nails, it is recommended to wear gloves when performing tasks that involve these substances.
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Ridges are often harmless and caused by the ageing process
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of ageing, but they can also indicate other health conditions or nutrient deficiencies. Vertical ridges, the most common type, are usually harmless and are often caused by the ageing process. This is known as onychorrhexis, which is typically a benign and natural part of getting older. As you age, your nails may become ridged, dry, brittle, or thick.
Onychorrhexis can also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as heart and circulatory diseases, hypothyroidism, liver disease, or chronic kidney disease. Certain nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc or iron deficiency, can also lead to vertical nail ridges. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, often point to an underlying condition or previous injury to the nail. Conditions that can cause horizontal ridges include peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Raynaud's disease.
If you are concerned about the appearance of ridges in your fingernails, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may be causing the ridges. Additionally, you can try to improve the appearance of your nails by applying moisturizer to your nails and cuticles daily and using creams or taking biotin supplements to promote nail growth.
It is important to note that ridges may also appear due to external factors such as using artificial nails, gel manicures, or exposure to chemicals found in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners. These practices can dry out and weaken nails, making ridges more prominent. Therefore, it is advisable to take breaks from these practices and opt for more natural nail care routines.
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Frequently asked questions
Ridges in fingernails are visible lines or dents that can run either vertically or horizontally across your nail. They are usually harmless and are a common sign of aging.
Fingernail ridges can be caused by many things, including nutrient deficiencies, stress, or a current/past illness.
Treating the underlying cause can help you grow smoother nails. For example, if you have ridges due to a vitamin deficiency, taking supplements may help.
Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that may appear in people who have undergone chemotherapy or have had mumps or syphilis. They may indicate an underlying condition and can stop nail growth until the condition is treated.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is recommended to see a doctor or dermatologist. Fingernail ridges that appear suddenly or with other symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition.
