Liam Carter
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of a current or past illness, or they may simply be a result of the natural ageing process. Vertical ridges, which run from the tip of the finger down to the bottom of the nail, are usually harmless and are the most common type of ridge. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, often indicate an underlying condition, such as malnutrition, serious nail injury, or even something more serious like acute kidney disease. If you're concerned about the appearance of ridges on your fingernails, it's best to consult a doctor or dermatologist, who can help determine the cause and advise on treatment options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ridges | Vertical, Horizontal (Beau's lines) |
| Cause | Ageing, nutritional deficiencies, skin conditions, injury, illness |
| Treatment | Moisturizers, supplements, treatment of underlying conditions |
| Appearance | Lines, dents, grooves, discoloration |
| Medical advice | Consult a doctor if ridges are sudden, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms |
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Ageing
Ridges in your fingernails can be a sign of ageing. Vertical ridges, in particular, are often age-related and are usually nothing to worry about. As we age, our nails can become more brittle and prone to splitting, which can lead to the formation of vertical ridges. This condition is called onychorrhexis, and it involves the nail matrix, which is responsible for nail growth. Issues with the production of skin cells and the skin protein keratin can disrupt nail growth and lead to onychorrhexis.
While vertical ridges are commonly associated with ageing, horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, can indicate other underlying health issues. Beau's lines are often deeper than vertical ridges and can be caused by serious infections, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or severe illnesses with high fevers, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia. Therefore, if you notice horizontal ridges on your nails, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
It is worth noting that there are other factors that can contribute to the formation of ridges in your fingernails, regardless of age. For example, certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, can cause nail problems, including vertical ridges. Additionally, external factors like using harsh chemicals during manicures or wearing artificial nails or gel manicures for extended periods can damage the nail matrix and affect nail growth, leading to the development of ridges.
While nail ridges are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Therefore, it is always a good idea to pay attention to any changes in your nails and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Proper nail care, including moisturising, trimming, and protecting your nails, can also help maintain nail health and minimise the appearance of ridges.
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Malnutrition
Horizontal ridges on the fingernails, also known as Beau's lines, may indicate malnutrition or other underlying health conditions. While vertical ridges are generally a harmless sign of aging, horizontal ridges can point to nutritional deficiencies or other serious health issues.
In addition to malnutrition, horizontal nail ridges can be indicative of other health issues. Beau's lines, for instance, can be a sign of severe infections, diabetes, kidney disease, or other underlying conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice persistent or unusual nail ridges, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
While nail changes are not always the first indicator of a problem, they can provide valuable clues about an individual's overall health and nutritional status. Doctors and clinical nutritionists often include a physical examination of the nails during patient assessments. By observing the colour, texture, and formation of the nails, they can gain insights into the patient's nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions.
To address nail ridges caused by malnutrition, it is crucial to focus on improving one's diet and overall nutritional intake. This may involve increasing the consumption of specific nutrients, such as iron, protein, and vitamins, through dietary changes or supplements. Additionally, maintaining a healthy digestive tract is essential to ensure the proper absorption of nutrients. In some cases, further investigation into the root cause of nutritional deficiencies may be necessary, as they can be caused by food sensitivities, lifestyle factors, or underlying health conditions.
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Skin conditions
Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. In some cases, they are harmless. Skin conditions that can cause ridges in your nails include:
Eczema
If you have very dry skin or eczema, you may have vertical lines on your nails. Treatment for eczema includes moisturizers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce symptoms.
Psoriasis
Nail pitting, or small indentations on your nail surface, is a common symptom of psoriasis. Psoriasis can also cause nail discoloration, with the skin under the nail appearing reddish-brown.
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.
Lichen planus
This is a skin condition that can affect the appearance of the nails.
Skin cancer
Skin cancers near the nail and fingertip can distort the nail. Subungual melanoma will normally appear as a dark streak down the length of the nail. Hutchinson sign is a darkening of the cuticle associated with a pigmented streak and may be a sign of an aggressive melanoma.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, it is important to see your doctor or a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Peripheral vascular disease
Changes in the appearance of the fingernails and toenails can indicate an underlying systemic disease. For example, ripples on the nails or pitted nails may be caused by a skin disorder, psoriasis, eczema, or arthritis. Nail abnormalities can also be a sign of peripheral vascular disease.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition, especially among the elderly, that affects blood flow to the extremities. Poor circulation to the toenails can cause nail changes such as slowed or stopped nail growth, brittleness, colour changes, and thickening. PAD can lead to more severe complications if not treated early, such as gangrene, which requires immediate medical attention.
Nail clubbing, a thickening of the soft tissue beneath the proximal nail plate, is another nail abnormality that can be associated with peripheral vascular disease. It results in sponginess and increased curvature of the proximal nail plate. Clubbing is commonly caused by neoplastic diseases, particularly those affecting the lung and pleura. It may also be caused by increased blood flow and proliferation of fibroblasts secondary to vascular endothelial growth factor.
Nail fold bleeding, periungual haemorrhages, and ulceration are additional nail changes that can occur in patients with peripheral vascular disease, specifically those with systemic sclerosis. In severe cases, haemorrhagic bullae and gangrene can form. Transverse grooves in the nail plate can occur due to trauma or severe systemic illness, leading to a temporary reduction in the activity of the nail matrix.
It is important to carefully examine any nail abnormalities and consult a healthcare professional if there are any concerns. A thorough examination by a qualified professional can help identify any underlying conditions and guide appropriate treatment.
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Thyroid disease
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that produces hormones, which play a key role in regulating your heartbeat, breathing, and many other functions. Thyroid disease can lead to a dangerously slow (or fast) heartbeat, an injury that refuses to heal, or unrelenting pain. It can also cause changes in your skin, hair, and nails.
Nail changes associated with thyroid disease include onycholysis, slow-growing, thin nails, and brittle nails. Onycholysis, also called Plummer's nail, is a condition where the nail plate pulls away from the skin of the nail bed. This condition is more common in those with hypothyroidism than hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism reduces the body's metabolic rate, which can slow skin cell turnover and nail growth. Slowed skin cell turnover causes dryness, scaling, and flaking, while slowed nail growth causes the nails to become dry and brittle.
People with hypothyroidism may also experience pain, numbness, and tingling in their hands and fingers, as well as changes to the color and texture of the palms of their hands. The main treatment for hypothyroidism is a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine, which people take orally to raise thyroxine back up to ideal levels.
If you are experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease, it is important to see your doctor for a physical examination and any necessary diagnostic tests. Thyroid level tests, including the TSH test, can determine if your thyroid is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone.
To care for your nails and prevent further issues, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) recommends keeping your nails dry and clean, trimming your toenails regularly, and cutting your nails straight across using sharp nail clippers. Rounding the tips of your nails can help strengthen them, and you should avoid biting, picking, or tearing your nails. It is also important to not remove your cuticles, especially during a manicure or pedicure, as this can cause nail damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernail ridges are often signs of other health problems, nutrient deficiencies, or previous injuries to the nail. Vertical ridges are typically harmless and are usually caused by the natural aging process. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, often point to underlying conditions such as malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines.
Vertical nail ridges can be caused by various factors, including normal aging, skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, and thyroid disease. Repeated trauma to the nails during manicures or pedicures, and exposure to chemicals in nail polish removers and cuticle softeners can also make vertical ridges more visible.
Horizontal nail ridges, also known as Beau's lines, can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chemotherapy, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Horizontal ridges can also be caused by nail trauma, such as closing a door on your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe.
