Vertical ridges are often harmless, but they can sometimes point to specific health conditions. Below, we’ll go through some common causes.
1. Aging
As you get older, it’s natural for the production of keratin (the protein that makes up your nails) to slow down. This can result in the appearance of vertical ridges, which may become more prominent with age. These ridges are usually harmless and are simply a sign of the natural aging process.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
A lack of essential nutrients can affect the health of your nails. Vertical ridges may indicate deficiencies in vitamins or minerals such as:
- Vitamin B12: A deficiency in B12 can affect nail health, causing vertical ridges and other nail changes.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails and ridging.
- Zinc: Zinc is essential for the production of collagen, and its deficiency can contribute to the formation of ridges.
If you suspect a nutrient deficiency, it's important to address it by improving your diet or considering supplements after consulting a healthcare provider.
3. Dehydration
Nails need moisture to remain healthy. When your body is dehydrated, it can affect the hydration levels of your nails, leading to the formation of vertical ridges. Drinking plenty of water and moisturizing your nails regularly can help keep them healthy and reduce the appearance of ridges.
4. Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can also cause vertical ridges on nails, including:
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis can affect the nail matrix, leading to the formation of ridges, pits, and discoloration in nails.
- Eczema: Eczema can lead to dryness and irritation around the nail bed, causing vertical ridges and rough textures.
- Thyroid problems: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can lead to changes in nail growth, including the development of ridges.
If you have other symptoms, such as fatigue, weight changes, or skin issues, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any thyroid-related disorders or autoimmune conditions.
5. Trauma or Injury
An injury to the nail matrix (the area where the nail grows) can also lead to the development of vertical ridges. If you’ve recently had an injury to your fingers or nails, the ridges may be a sign that the nail is recovering. These ridges may go away as the nail grows out, but depending on the severity of the injury, the ridges could persist for a longer period.
Causes of Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)
While vertical ridges are often harmless, horizontal ridges are a different story. Beau’s lines, which appear as deep horizontal grooves across the nails, can indicate more serious issues.
1. Illness or Infection
Beau’s lines can appear when the growth of the nail is temporarily halted due to illness or infection. Conditions like the flu, pneumonia, or severe systemic infections can disrupt the nail’s growth cycle, causing the lines to form. These lines typically show up several weeks after the illness, as it takes time for nails to grow out.
2. Severe Physical Stress or Trauma
Trauma to the body, such as a major surgery, high fever, or a significant physical injury, can cause Beau’s lines. These lines may appear after the body experiences extreme stress, as the body prioritizes healing the internal organs over nail growth.
3. Chemotherapy or Medication
Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, can disrupt the nail growth process and cause horizontal ridges to form. If you’ve recently undergone chemotherapy or are on strong medications, Beau’s lines could be a side effect of the treatment.
4. Diabetes
People with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to develop Beau’s lines, as fluctuating blood sugar levels can interfere with the normal nail growth cycle.
5. Malnutrition
Severe malnutrition or a sudden lack of food can impact the body’s ability to produce keratin, the protein that makes up nails. This can cause horizontal ridges or Beau’s lines to appear. Ensuring that you maintain a balanced diet is essential to supporting your nail health.
What to Do About Ridges on Your Fingernails
If you notice ridges on your nails, the first step is to assess whether they are vertical or horizontal and whether you are experiencing any other symptoms that could point to an underlying issue.
Step 1: Review Your Diet and Hydration
If you suspect that your ridges may be due to a nutrient deficiency, start by ensuring that your diet includes enough vitamins and minerals, particularly those vital for nail health, such as:
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
- Iron
- Biotin
Also, make sure you’re drinking enough water each day to keep your nails hydrated.
Step 2: Moisturize Your Nails Regularly
To prevent dehydration and maintain healthy nails, moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly. Use a nourishing nail oil or cream that contains ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, or coconut oil to keep your nails soft and moisturized.
Step 3: Manage Stress and Trauma
If you’ve experienced any significant stress, trauma, or illness recently, give your body time to recover. Avoid further trauma to your nails by being gentle with them and protecting them from injury.
Step 4: See a Doctor
If you have horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines) or other changes in your nails that you’re concerned about, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. Conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, or psoriasis may require medical treatment, and addressing these conditions early can help prevent further nail damage.
Conclusion
Ridges on your fingernails are often not a cause for alarm, especially if they are vertical ridges that appear with age. However, if you notice more pronounced horizontal ridges or if you experience other symptoms like pain, discoloration, or swelling, it may indicate an underlying health condition. Pay attention to changes in your nails, maintain a healthy diet and hydration levels, and take steps to protect your nails from trauma. If in doubt, consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any serious health concerns.
