Ava Monroe
Ridges in your nails can appear vertically or horizontally and are usually harmless. However, in some cases, they may indicate an underlying health problem. For instance, horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can be a symptom of a serious condition such as acute kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Raynaud's disease. On the other hand, vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, although they can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies, such as iron or zinc deficiency. If you notice ridges in your nails, it is important to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ridges | Vertical or horizontal |
| Cause | Ageing, nutritional deficiencies, skin conditions, injury, thyroid disease, chemotherapy, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, Raynaud's disease, eczema, psoriasis, melanoma, endocarditis, syphilis, mumps, severe illness with high fever, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency |
| Treatment | Treating the underlying cause, moisturising, applying skin cream, wearing cotton gloves, taking supplements, medication, home nail care |
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What You'll Learn
Thyroid disease and vitamin deficiencies
Ridges in your nails can be harmless and are usually due to aging. However, they can also indicate improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions.
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease, specifically hypothyroidism, can cause vertical ridges in your nails. Hypothyroidism is when your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which can affect every organ system in the body, including the integumentary system, comprising your skin, hair, and nails. As a result, people with hypothyroidism may experience dry skin, brittle nails, and hair thinning. In addition to vertical ridges, your nails may also be more rounded, and your fingertips may appear puffy.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Certain nutritional deficiencies can also affect your nail health. For example, iron deficiency may cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Zinc deficiency can cause horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, and white spots on your nails. Vitamins A, C, and D are also important for nail health. According to research, biotin is highly recommended to aid in nail health, but more research is needed to understand its full benefits.
If you notice ridges in your nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Treating any underlying medical conditions or nutrient deficiencies will help promote the growth of smoother, healthier nails.
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Ageing and improper nail care
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can indicate various things about your health. Vertical ridges are often a sign of ageing, while horizontal ridges can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or
Ageing
As you age, your nails may become thicker or thinner and more prone to breaking. They may also change in texture, colour, and shape. These changes are due to disease, internal processes in the body as it ages, nutritional deficiencies, or external factors like long-term exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light.
Ageing can also cause vertical ridges in your nails, also called longitudinal ridges. These lines are not dangerous, but they can be a sign of normal ageing or skin conditions like dry skin or eczema. Hypothyroidism can also cause vertical ridges, as well as brittle, crumbly nails that break easily.
Improper Nail Care
Improper nail care can also cause ridges in your nails. Using artificial or acrylic nails, getting gel manicures for long periods, or biting your fingernails and cutting your cuticles can weaken your nails and cause ridges. Repeated wetting and drying, as well as exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals or cosmetics, can also contribute to nail problems.
If your nail ridges are not due to a health condition or deficiency, you can improve their appearance by applying moisturizer to your nails and cuticles daily and using creams on your hands and feet before bed, wearing cotton gloves and socks. Taking breaks from gel manicures and artificial nails can also help, as well as trimming your fingernails with a curved shape and your toenails straight across.
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Nail trauma and injury
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless and are a common part of aging, but they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue. Horizontal ridges, in particular, can be a sign of nail trauma or injury.
Nail trauma or injury can result from a blow to the nail, such as closing your finger in a door or hitting it with a hammer. This can cause blood to pool under the nail, known as a subungual hematoma, which often appears as a red or purple-black colour that fades to blue over a few weeks. The affected finger or toe will typically throb and be painful to touch or move.
Other types of nail trauma include nail lacerations, which involve cuts to the nail, nail bed, cuticle, or lateral nail folds. Lacerations can cause visible blood and result in a mangled appearance. Fingertip amputation is another type of nail injury, where a portion of the fingertip, including part or all of the nail, is removed from the finger. This type of injury may or may not involve a visible bone.
In some cases, nail injuries can lead to permanent deformities, even with proper repair. Repeated trauma to toenails, for example, can cause deformities that resemble fungal infections, with thickened or discoloured nails that lift away from the nail bed. Nail biting is another common cause of nail trauma, leading to acute paronychia, an infection where bacteria get underneath the tissue at the side of the nail, causing swelling and irritation.
If you experience a nail injury, it is important to stop any bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. If the bleeding has stopped and the injury is minor, such as a small subungual hematoma, home care may be appropriate. However, for more serious injuries, such as lacerations, amputations, or large nail bruises, it is recommended to seek medical attention at an urgent care centre or emergency room.
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Underlying medical conditions
Ridges in your nails can indicate an underlying medical condition. While vertical ridges are typically harmless, horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, are often associated with a medical condition and can even stop nail growth until the condition is treated.
If you have hypothyroidism, you may experience thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily. In addition, conditions that interfere with blood flow to the nail, such as peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Raynaud's disease, can cause horizontal ridges.
Nutritional deficiencies, including iron, folic acid, or protein deficiency, can also contribute to nail ridges. Certain vitamin deficiencies, such as zinc, vitamin A, C, and D, can affect nail health. Biotin is also recommended to aid in nail health, although further research is needed to understand its full benefits.
Some illnesses and health conditions can also cause horizontal nail ridges. For example, people who have undergone chemotherapy, had mumps or syphilis, or experienced a severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia, may develop horizontal ridges. Additionally, horizontal ridges can be a sign of acute kidney disease.
Other medical conditions associated with horizontal nail ridges include:
- Endocarditis
- Melanoma
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
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Treatment and prevention
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless and are a common occurrence as you age. However, they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition or nutritional deficiency. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you notice new ridges or lines in your nails.
If you notice ridges in your nails, the first step is to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. Ridges in nails can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disease, diabetes, nail trauma, or other medical conditions. Once the underlying cause is identified, appropriate treatment can be recommended.
Medical Treatment
If your nail ridges are caused by an underlying medical condition or nutritional deficiency, treating the underlying issue is crucial. For example, if you have thyroid disease, medication can often improve or resolve related nail problems. Similarly, if you have diabetes, successfully managing your blood sugar levels may help reduce horizontal nail ridges. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend taking supplements, such as iron, zinc, or biotin, to address any deficiencies contributing to nail ridges. However, it is important to consult your provider before taking any supplements.
Home Care
If your nail ridges are not due to a specific health condition or deficiency, home nail care can help improve the appearance of your nails. Here are some tips for home care:
- Moisturize: Apply moisturizer to your nails, cuticles, and hands daily to relieve dry skin or eczema. You can also apply a cream to your feet if needed.
- Wear Cotton Gloves: After moisturizing, put on thin cotton gloves while you sleep to help lock in moisture and protect your sheets.
- Avoid Nail Damage: Avoid nail damage caused by manicures, such as gel manicures, artificial nails, or acrylics, as these can weaken and dry out your nails. Take breaks between these treatments, and consider trimming your nails instead of cutting your cuticles.
- Nail Buffer: While it won't eliminate ridges, using a nail buffer can help smooth them out. However, avoid over-buffing, as it can weaken your nails.
- Clear Nail Hardeners: Applying clear nail hardeners can help strengthen and smooth the nail surface while also protecting against damage.
- Keep Nails Hydrated: Use hand cream or oil to minimize the appearance of ridges and protect the keratin in your nails.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent nail ridges, especially if they are caused by an underlying condition, overall nail maintenance and avoiding nail damage can help keep your nails smooth, strong, and healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless and are common with age, but they can indicate a health problem. Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) can point to malnutrition, serious nail injury, or an underlying medical condition.
Horizontal nail ridges usually develop when something disrupts nail growth. Causes include nail trauma, such as physical injury, using artificial nails, or getting gel manicures for long periods. They can also be caused by certain illnesses, such as mumps, syphilis, or chemotherapy treatment.
Vertical nail ridges can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency. They can also be a sign of thyroid disease or simply the result of the natural thinning and brittling of nails as we age.
To get rid of nail ridges, you must first identify and treat the underlying cause. This may involve seeking medical advice and taking supplements to address any nutrient deficiencies. While ridges may not disappear completely, you can improve the appearance of your nails by applying moisturizer to your nails and cuticles daily.
