Doctor Explains What It Means If You Have Ridges On Your Fingernails

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    Ridges on fingernails can be a cause for concern, but they are often harmless and simply a sign of aging or external factors. However, in some cases, they may indicate underlying health issues that warrant attention. To help you better understand what ridges on your nails might mean, here’s an explanation from medical experts.

    What Are Nail Ridges?

    Nail ridges are raised lines or grooves that run either vertically (up and down) or horizontally (side to side) on the surface of your fingernails or toenails. While vertical ridges are more common and typically benign, horizontal ridges can sometimes signal a deeper issue.

    Vertical Ridges

    What They Look Like:

    • Lines running from the base of the nail (cuticle) to the tip.
    • Often become more prominent with age.

    What They Typically Mean:

    1. Normal Aging Process:

      • Vertical ridges are usually harmless and are a natural part of aging, similar to wrinkles on the skin. As we grow older, the nail matrix (the tissue under the base of the nail) produces new cells less efficiently, leading to slight irregularities like ridges.

    2. Dehydration:

      • Dry nails due to insufficient moisture or hydration can develop ridges. Regularly moisturizing your hands and nails can help reduce their appearance.

    3. Nutritional Deficiencies:

      • A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, or zinc, may contribute to changes in nail texture.

    When to Worry:

    Vertical ridges are rarely a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms like discoloration, brittleness, or pain.

    Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)

    What They Look Like:

    • Grooves or depressions that run across the nail horizontally.
    • May appear on one or multiple nails.

    What They Might Indicate:

    1. Recent Illness or Injury:

      • Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau’s lines, can occur after a severe illness, high fever, or injury that temporarily disrupts nail growth. This is because the nail matrix stops producing cells during periods of stress or trauma.

    2. Nutritional Deficiencies:

      • Deficiencies in key nutrients like zinc, iron, or protein can lead to abnormal nail growth patterns.

    3. Chronic Health Conditions:

      • Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases may manifest as horizontal ridges on the nails


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