Noah Sinclair
Ridges in your fingernails or toenails, also known as nail ridges, are extremely common and are typically nothing to worry about. They are usually a sign of aging, but in some cases, they can indicate an underlying health issue. If you notice horizontal nail ridges, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible as these often point to an underlying condition. Vertical nail ridges, on the other hand, are usually harmless and are caused by the normal aging process. However, there are exceptions, and vertical ridges can sometimes be indicative of nutrient deficiencies or certain health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, nutrient deficiency, skin conditions, thyroid disease, injury, peripheral vascular disease, severe illness, current or past illness |
| Appearance | Vertical or horizontal lines, dents, white spots, discolouration, thickening or thinning, brittleness, roughness |
| Treatment | Biotin supplements, nail hardener, medication, treating underlying cause, iron or zinc supplements, diet rich in fruits and vegetables |
| Prevention | Avoid nail biting, trim nails regularly, use a nail buffer, wear protective gloves when handling chemicals, limit manicures |
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What You'll Learn
Horizontal nail ridges may indicate an underlying condition
Horizontal nail ridges, also known as Beau's lines, are often a sign of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment. They are typically deeper than vertical ridges and can be a single line or multiple bands across one or more nails. While vertical ridges are usually harmless and a normal part of ageing, horizontal ridges may indicate something more serious.
Horizontal nail ridges can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions, and certain health conditions. For example, a zinc deficiency can cause Beau's lines, along with white spots on the nails. Iron deficiency can also lead to vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, also known as spoon nails, which have a scooped-out depression in the middle. Skin conditions such as eczema can also cause horizontal nail ridges, along with nail discolouration and other skin symptoms.
In some cases, horizontal nail ridges can be a sign of more serious health conditions. For instance, they may be indicative of peripheral vascular disease (PAD) or a severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia. They can also be a side effect of chemotherapy. Additionally, digestive disorders that affect nutrient absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis, can impact nail health.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice horizontal nail ridges, especially if they appear suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms. A doctor can help diagnose any underlying conditions and recommend appropriate treatments. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent nail ridges, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limiting inflammatory foods can support nail health.
In summary, horizontal nail ridges may indicate an underlying condition, and it is important to seek medical advice to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless
There are other causes of vertical nail ridges, some of which may be more problematic. For example, certain skin conditions like eczema or very dry skin can cause vertical nail ridges. Thyroid disease can also be a cause, and nails may appear thick and brittle with vertical ridges, and may crumble or break easily. Iron deficiency can also cause vertical nail ridges, along with koilonychia (spoon nails).
While vertical nail ridges are usually harmless, horizontal nail ridges often indicate an underlying condition and may require medical attention. Horizontal nail ridges, or Beau's lines, are deep and involve one or more horizontal band-like depressions affecting one or multiple nails. They can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, chemotherapy, or severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia.
If you are concerned about nail ridges, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist, who can help determine the underlying cause and advise on treatment options.
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Ridges can be caused by nutrient deficiencies
Ridges in your fingernails or toenails are usually harmless and are typically caused by the normal ageing process. However, they can sometimes be a sign of a nutrient deficiency or a current or past illness.
Zinc deficiency, for example, can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges) and white spots on your nails. Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, as though the centre of the nail has been scooped out, and can hold a drop of water.
Other nutrient deficiencies that can cause ridges in your nails include folic acid (vitamin B9) and protein deficiencies. If you are experiencing nutrient deficiencies, your healthcare provider can recommend supplements to help.
If you have developed horizontal nail ridges, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible, as these often point to an underlying condition.
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Ridges can be caused by skin conditions
Ridges in your nails can be caused by skin conditions such as eczema, which may cause ridges and discolouration in the nail alongside other symptoms on the skin. Dry skin can also cause vertical lines to appear on your nails.
People with psoriasis often experience problems with their fingernails and nail beds. Digestive disorders that affect the absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis, can also influence the nails. If the body does not have the proper building blocks to make new cells, the nails may suffer.
In addition, skin conditions are not the only cause of nail ridges. Ridges can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies, such as a zinc deficiency, which can cause Beau's lines and white spots on your nails, or an iron deficiency, which can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, like the centre of your nail was scooped out, and you may be able to hold a drop of water on your nail.
If you have hypothyroidism, you may also experience thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may crumble or break easily and look more rounded, and your fingertip may be puffy. Horizontal ridges or dents in your nails are usually due to a condition called Beau's lines, which may be caused by chemotherapy treatment or diabetes.
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Ridges can be a sign of ageing
Ridges in your fingernails or toenails can be a sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, also known as longitudinal ridges, are the most common type of nail ridge and typically appear as we get older. They are usually harmless and are simply a sign that "time has passed and your nails are changing", according to dermatologist Dr Mona Gohara.
Vertical ridges often become more noticeable with age, and can be accompanied by white spots or lines. They can also be caused by nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions such as eczema, or thyroid disease. In rare cases, they can indicate a larger health issue.
Horizontal nail ridges, on the other hand, are often a sign of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis and treatment. These types of ridges can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions, or even an accident or injury. If you notice horizontal nail ridges, it is recommended that you see your doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible.
While nail ridges are usually harmless, they can be a cause for concern if they develop suddenly, affect multiple nails, or are persistent or worsening. In these cases, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or a dermatologist who specialises in diseases of the skin and nails.
To improve the appearance of nail ridges, you can try taking biotin supplements to promote nail growth and keeping your cuticles moisturised. It is also recommended to avoid biting your fingernails or cutting your cuticles, and to take breaks from gel manicures or artificial nails, as these can weaken or dry out your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Ripples, or ridges, in nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions, thyroid disease, and injuries to the nail. In some cases, they may also indicate a more serious underlying health condition.
Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of the nail ripples. In some cases, treating the underlying cause may be enough to improve the appearance of the nails. Additionally, keeping the cuticles moisturised, avoiding biting or picking at nails, and taking a break from manicures can help.
There are some home remedies that may help reduce the appearance of nail ripples, such as using a nail buffer to gently smooth the surface of the nails and applying a nail hardener to strengthen the nails. However, it is important to note that buffing should be kept to a minimum as it can cause thinning of the nail plate.
If the nail ripples are accompanied by other symptoms, such as discolouration, roughness, or brittleness, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. Horizontal nail ridges, in particular, may indicate an underlying medical condition and warrant a visit to the doctor.
