Isla Bennett
Rippled or bumpy nails may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails. If you notice changes in your nail texture, it is important to get checked by a doctor. They will examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor may order urine and blood tests if they suspect any underlying health conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Ageing, skin conditions, thyroid disease, nutrient deficiency, injury, illness |
| Treatment | Moisturising, trimming, dermatologist advice, treating underlying cause |
| Health concerns | Kidney disease, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, skin conditions, psoriasis, arthritis, thyroid disease, fungal infection |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing
Ridges in the fingernails are usually signs of ageing. Vertical ridges are common in older adults. In some cases, they may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, may suggest a more serious condition. Beau's lines can be caused by chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, severe illness with a high fever, or peripheral vascular disease. They can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as a zinc deficiency, which can cause white spots on your nails, or an iron deficiency, which can cause koilonychia (spoon nails).
If you are experiencing nail changes, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor. A doctor can examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you are experiencing. They may order urine and blood tests if they suspect kidney disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. If the ridges seem to be the result of a skin condition, a dermatologist can advise on a treatment plan. If the cause of the ridges is unclear, a dermatologist may take nail clippings to be analysed in a lab for signs of infection.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent nail ridges, seeing a doctor or dermatologist as recommended can help. It is important to tell your provider about any health changes, including changes to your nails. If you develop new nail ridges, your provider can work with you to treat the underlying cause.
If you have Beau's lines from a previous illness, the lines should gradually grow out. However, if you keep getting new Beau's lines, tell your provider. Repeated Beau's lines could be a sign that you have a condition that keeps interrupting your nail growth.
To improve the appearance of your nails, you can apply moisturiser to your nails and cuticles daily to relieve dry skin or eczema. At bedtime, apply a skin cream to your hands and put on thin cotton gloves for sleeping. You can also gently buff your nails to remove ridges, but it is recommended to stick with moisturising your nails and keeping them trimmed.
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Skin conditions
Rippled or ridged fingernails can be caused by skin conditions such as eczema, which is characterised by very dry skin. Treatment for eczema may include moisturisers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce symptoms.
If you have hypothyroidism, a form of thyroid disease, you may have thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily. They may look more rounded and your fingertip may be puffy.
Another skin condition that can cause nail ridges is chronic paronychia. This condition causes inflammation, redness, tenderness, and swelling of the skin folds and tissues surrounding the nails. It is usually the result of irritants or allergens but can also be caused by the fungus Candida albicans, other infections, or psoriasis. It can usually be treated with topical steroids.
In some cases, ridges in the fingernails are a typical sign of aging. Vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults and are not dangerous.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is recommended that you see a doctor or a dermatologist.
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Thyroid disease
Ridges on your fingernails can be harmless, and are usually a sign of aging. However, they can also be a symptom of thyroid disease. Thyroid disease can affect the skin, hair, and nails, and a dermatologist may be the first doctor to notice signs of thyroid disease.
If you have hypothyroidism, you may experience thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Hypothyroidism reduces the body's metabolic rate, which can slow skin cell turnover. This can lead to skin issues, including eczema craquelé, a type of eczema that causes the skin to look inflamed, cracked, and scaly. It can also cause dryness, scaling, and flaking of the skin, and slowed nail growth, resulting in dry and brittle nails.
Hyperthyroidism can also cause nail changes, including nail bed issues and changes to the colour and texture of the palms of the hands.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, you should see your doctor or a dermatologist. They may physically examine your thyroid gland and order diagnostic tests and procedures, such as blood tests, to check for thyroid disease. The main treatment for hypothyroidism is a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine, which is taken orally.
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Injury
Rippled fingernails can be caused by injury to the nail, such as crushing or bending back the nail. This can lead to onychorrhexis, a condition that causes vertical ridges to form on the fingernails, making them feel bumpy to the touch. Onychorrhexis can also be accompanied by brittle nails that may split slightly at the ends, known as onychoschisis. Nails affected by onychorrhexis are typically thinner and more prone to breakage.
If you have injured your nail, it is recommended to wait a few weeks to observe how the nail and finger heal before deciding whether to consult a doctor. However, if the injury results in nail changes such as swelling and redness, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Ingrown fingernails can often be treated at home, but in some cases, they may require a doctor's visit.
It is important to note that fingernail ridges can be a sign of underlying health issues. Vertical ridges are usually a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can indicate more serious conditions such as malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines, which are associated with diabetes. Rippled nails can also be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Therefore, if you notice persistent or concerning nail changes, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
To mitigate the effects of rippled nails caused by injury, you can apply moisturizing products to your hands and nails. Vitamin E oil, petroleum jelly, or olive oil can help maintain nail health. Additionally, avoiding excessive exposure to water or harsh chemicals can prevent further nail weakening. Proper nail care, including keeping nails trimmed and moisturized, is essential for overall nail health.
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Nutrient deficiency
Rippled nails, or ridges in the nails, can be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Nutrient deficiencies can cause changes to your nails, and certain vitamins and minerals are essential for nail health.
Zinc deficiency, for example, can cause horizontal ridges known as Beau's lines, as well as white spots on your nails. Iron deficiency can lead to vertical nail ridges and koilonychia, or spoon nails, which have a scooped-out depression in the middle. Spoon nails can also be a sign of anemia. Other vitamins and minerals that contribute to nail health include vitamins A, C, and D, as well as biotin, although more research is needed to understand the full extent of its benefits.
If you suspect that your rippled nails are due to a nutrient deficiency, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. Treating the underlying cause, such as adjusting your diet or taking supplements, can usually improve the appearance of your nails and allow healthy nails to grow in.
It is important to note that rippled nails can also be caused by other factors, such as aging, skin conditions, nail trauma, or other health conditions. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Rippled finger nails, or ridges in finger nails, can be a sign of ageing, especially if the ridges are vertical. They can also be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, diabetes, or skin conditions like eczema.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, consult a doctor or a dermatologist. They may suggest you gently buff your nails to remove the ridges, or recommend a treatment plan depending on the underlying cause.
Ridges in finger nails can be caused by a number of factors, including ageing, nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions, thyroid disease, and previous injuries to the nail.
