Ridges In Your Nails Could Be A Sign Of A Nutrient Deficiency
The most common conversations about fingernails typically revolve around the latest trends for manicures. You’ve probably heard plenty about different nail lengths, gel manicures, acrylics, unique designs, best removal techniques, and more. But what about nail ridges?
As it turns out, your nails—and ridges in particular—can reveal more about your health than you might think. Before you fall into a spiral over all the possibilities and meanings behind them, just know that ridges in fingernails can mean many things (more on that in a bit).
It's also worth mentioning that not all nail ridges on fingernails (or toenails) mean the same thing. It mostly depends on whether the lines are vertical or horizontal.
If this is something you're currently dealing with, you might have a lot of lingering questions, and rightfully so. Below, find out all the deets about ridges in fingernails, according to experts. Plus, insight on when and if you should see a doctor.
Meet the experts: Laura Purdy, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician. Courtney Rubin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Comprehensive Dermatology Center Of Pasadena in California.
What are ridges in fingernails?
"Instead of [your nail] feeling smooth, you’ll feel bumps in it," says Laura Purdy, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician.
"It's either an indentation across the surface of the nail or something that's raised up across the surface of the nail," adds Courtney Rubin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Comprehensive Dermatology Center Of Pasadena in California. She notes that these are considered surface irregularities, but how they are understood depends on whether the ridges are vertical (longitudinal) or horizontal.
You may notice one ridge or multiple ridges that run in a straight line across the surface of the nail. Vertical ridges can show up on one, a few, or all nails.
Whether vertical or horizontal, you may notice one ridge or multiple ridges that run in a straight line across the surface of the nail. And they can appear on one, several, or all nails.
What about pigmented vertical lines down fingernails?
Many people confuse ridges with brown streaks that run vertically on the nail, but they aren't the same thing. In fact, a pigmented streak that runs vertically on the nail can be linked to melanoma, Dr. Rubin says, so definitely check in with your doctor if you notice this.
Causes Of Vertical Ridges In Fingernails
Vertical ridges are the more common than horizontal ones, and are generally nothing to worry about. This is mainly because these ridges tend to be a natural sign of aging. "They become more prominent over time in pretty much everyone," says Rubin. "The nail matrix cells that make the nail plate are also going to age and evolve over time." She adds that there's no set timeline or age for when you can expect to see nail ridges since a mild amount of these can be normal at any age.
Other reasons why someone might develop vertical ridges are nutritional and hormonal changes. For example, you may have a zinc, iron, or vitamin D deficiency.
"We see [vertical ridges], brittleness, and easy breaking [or] chipping a lot in people who have specifically iron deficiency anemia," adds Dr. Purdy. "Your nails need a proper amount of iron in your bloodstream to form properly."
Causes Of Horizontal Ridges In Fingernails
Unlike vertical ridges, horizontal ridges might be more concerning. It typically means there's something underlying harming the cells responsible for making up the nail plate.
Sometimes, the cause can be from something temporary like a viral illness, stress, or a one-time trauma. "Trauma from manicures from aggressive pushing of cuticles can lead to the development of horizontal lines," says Dr. Rubin. "Certain medications, especially toxic medications like chemotherapies tend to cause lines in the nails that are horizontal as well."
In other cases, these kinds of ridges can indicate issues with the liver or kidneys, which would have to be diagnosed by a doctor. It can also stem from skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, says Dr. Rubin.
Dr. Rubin and Dr. Purdy agree that because horizontal ridges are not a normal variant, it's best to speak with a doctor about the possible causes. However, Dr. Purdy notes that there's always a chance that the ridges could be completely normal, although it's less likely.
How To Treat Nail Ridges
Because of the different kinds of ridges, there is no one way to treat them.
If you have vertical ridges from aging, you may not be able to treat them per se, but you can opt for temporary fixes like acrylic nails, or you can buff the surface down to reduce the appearance, says Dr. Purdy.
If you have horizontal lines due to trauma or viral illness, new nail growth should come back smoothly. If it's due to a vitamin deficiency, your nails should also go back to normal as you begin implementing the vitamins you need into your routine, says Rubin. (As always, discuss any new vitamins or supplements with your doc before adding them to your routine.)
Horizontal ridges that stem from a deeper illness need to be treated at the source before the nail can heal. "You're probably not going to see the ridges go away immediately. It takes a long time because nails grow slowly," explains Dr. Purdy. "If the cause of the ridges is resolved, then you should see healthy nail growing in behind it."
If you learn that your ridges stem from a hormonal or nutritional imbalance, you might treat them by taking prescription medication or vitamins. If it's due to a skin condition (like eczema or psoriasis), your doctor may opt to treat it with a shot instead, says Dr. Rubin.
How To Prevent Nail Ridges
Vertical ridges from aging can't be prevented since it's a natural change in the body. But the best things you can do to prevent nail ridges include managing your stress, going to your annual checkups, and eating a balanced diet.
If you have an underlying condition that you already have a diagnosis for, stay on top of your treatments to support healthy nail growth in addition to your overall health.
When To See A Doctor
Whether you have vertical or horizontal lines, scheduling an appointment with your doctor is ideal once you've noticed them.
"I usually tell people that anytime they notice a change in the status of their health, whether that's their skin, hair, or nails, it's worth having a health professional look at it," explains Dr. Rubin. "We're trained to figure out if something is dangerous or concerning."
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