Isla Bennett
Ridges and splits in your fingernails can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from aging to underlying health conditions. Vertical ridges, which run from the cuticle to the tip of the fingernail, are a common sign of aging due to a slowing of cell turnover. Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, are less common but can indicate more serious issues such as malnutrition, nail injuries, or certain health conditions. While nail ridges are usually harmless, they can sometimes be a sign of vitamin or mineral deficiencies, diabetes, or other health problems. It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your nails, as they can provide guidance on treatment options and help identify any underlying causes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Onychorrhexis |
| Cause | Ageing, underlying health condition |
| Symptoms | Vertical ridges, splitting, breaking |
| Treatment | Medication, supplements, moisturizers, ointments |
| Prevention | Avoid nail buffers, nail polish with formaldehyde, gel manicures, artificial nails, acrylics |
| Other conditions | Onychoschizia, Beau's lines, nail pitting |
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What You'll Learn
Ridges and splits may be a sign of ageing
Ridges and splits in your fingernails may be a sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, which often develop in older adults, are usually harmless and are typically caused by a slowing of cell turnover. This is when new skin cells produced below the skin's surface rise up to replace dead cells being discarded from the surface.
Vertical ridges can also be caused by decreased circulation to fingertips, stripping nails with solvents during manicures, tumours, and certain dermatological conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
Onychorrhexis, a condition that causes vertical ridges and splitting of the nails, is mainly caused by ageing. It can also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as issues with making skin cells and the skin protein keratin.
Horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, are usually caused by something other than ageing, most commonly damage to the nail matrix. This can be caused by manicures, a habit of nail-picking, or inflamed dermatological conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Beau's lines can also indicate a more serious health issue, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.
If you notice ridges or other nail changes, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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They could be caused by an underlying health condition
Ridges and splitting in your fingernails can be caused by an underlying health condition. Onychorrhexis, a condition that affects your nails, can cause vertical ridges and splitting. It is mainly caused by age-related changes in the production of skin cells and keratin, but it can also be a symptom of another health problem. For instance, issues with the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth, can cause onychorrhexis.
Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, are often associated with more serious health issues. These can include severe infections, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or acute kidney disease. They may also be caused by external factors such as damage from manicures, chemotherapy, or the long-term use of artificial nails or gel manicures.
In some cases, fingernail ridges may be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. For example, an iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges, while zinc deficiency can lead to Beau's lines and white spots on your nails. Additionally, certain diseases that affect the joints and cause deformities, such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis, can also impact your nails.
It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice new ridges or other nail changes, as they can provide guidance and help determine the underlying cause.
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Thyroid disease can cause nail changes
Ridges and splitting in your fingernails can be harmless and are usually a sign of aging. However, they can also be a sign of a thyroid disease, which can be detected early by observing nail changes. Thyroid disease can cause nail changes, such as thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. In the case of hypothyroidism, the nails may also crumble or break easily, and the fingertip may be puffy. Onycholysis, or Plummer's nail, is a condition associated with thyroid disease, where the nail plate pulls away from the skin of the nail bed. This condition is more prevalent in people with hypothyroidism than hyperthyroidism.
Nail changes may aid in the early detection and diagnosis of a thyroid disorder. According to a 2022 study, individuals with a thyroid disorder frequently report nail brittleness. Those with autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's or Graves' disease, had a higher percentage of nail brittleness than those with non-autoimmune thyroid conditions. Additionally, slow-growing, thin nails are associated with hypothyroidism, while onycholysis, koilonychia, and brittle nails are linked to hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, plays a crucial role in producing hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including nail growth. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed that a dysfunctional thyroid gland can affect nail growth and appearance. Therefore, if you notice any nail changes or other symptoms of thyroid disease, it is important to consult a healthcare provider, who may recommend thyroid hormone replacement treatment to manage your thyroid hormone levels and improve nail health over time.
It is worth noting that nail changes can also be caused by other factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, skin conditions, or injuries. Consulting a dermatologist is essential to determine the underlying cause of nail changes and receive appropriate treatment.
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Horizontal ridges are called Beau's lines
Horizontal ridges that appear on one's fingernails are called Beau's lines. They are indentations or grooves that run straight across the nail. Beau's lines are usually deeper than vertical ridges and are often linked to more serious health issues. They can appear on one or more nails and can be a sign of an injury or illness that interrupted nail growth.
Beau's lines can be caused by various factors, including injury or trauma to the nail, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something heavy on it. Chronic conditions that interfere with blood flow to the nail matrix, such as hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or Raynaud's phenomenon, can also cause Beau's lines. Additionally, skin conditions, severe illnesses with high fevers (like COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia), and mental and emotional stress can contribute to the formation of Beau's lines.
Nutritional deficiencies, especially severe zinc deficiency or inadequate protein intake, can also lead to Beau's lines. Treating the underlying nutritional deficiency can help restore normal nail growth. Furthermore, certain medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs, are known to cause Beau's lines. In some cases, Beau's lines may be a sign of severe infections, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease.
It is important to note that Beau's lines themselves are not a disease and are typically not harmful. However, they can indicate an underlying health condition. If you notice Beau's lines and are unsure of the cause, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any potential health concerns. Treating the underlying cause of Beau's lines will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
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Home care can help treat nail ridges
Fingernail ridges are often harmless and are usually a sign of aging. However, they can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, diabetes, or malnutrition. If you notice ridges in your fingernails, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause and rule out any serious medical conditions.
Once any health issues have been addressed, you can focus on treating the nail ridges themselves. While the ridges may not disappear completely, there are several home care remedies that can help improve the appearance of your nails:
Moisturize your nails and cuticles
Daily moisturizing can help relieve dry skin and eczema, which can contribute to nail ridges. Apply moisturizer to your nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin. This will help keep your nails and the surrounding area hydrated and healthy.
Wear cotton gloves to bed
After applying moisturizer or a skin cream to your hands at bedtime, put on a pair of thin cotton gloves. This will help lock in the moisture and prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle.
Take breaks from gel manicures and artificial nails
Gel manicures, acrylics, and other artificial nail treatments can weaken your nails and dry them out. Give your nails a break between these treatments to allow them to recover and regain their natural strength and moisture.
Trim your nails regularly
Keep your nails trimmed and shaped. For fingernails, trim them with a gentle curve, and for toenails, cut them straight across. This will help prevent breakage and splitting, which can be more common when nails are longer.
Take supplements
Ask your healthcare provider about taking biotin, iron, or zinc supplements to support nail growth and health. These supplements can help improve the strength and appearance of your nails, especially if you have deficiencies.
While home care can help treat nail ridges, it is important to prioritize consulting with a healthcare professional to address any underlying health concerns and rule out any serious conditions. With the right combination of medical treatment and home care, you can improve the health and appearance of your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Ridges and splits in your fingernails can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, injury, or underlying health conditions such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, or diabetes. It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice any changes in your nails, as they can provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are several ways to treat ridges in your fingernails, including gently buffing your nails, moisturizing your nails and cuticles, and keeping them trimmed. However, it is important to note that buffing your nails may not remove the ridges completely and can make your nails more prone to trauma and breakage if overdone.
Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can indicate more serious conditions such as malnutrition, severe nail injury, or underlying health issues. Vertical ridges, on the other hand, are usually a normal sign of aging, caused by a slowing of cell turnover. However, they can also be caused by certain health conditions such as thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies in some cases.
