What do nail ridges mean?

Ridges in the fingernails are usually signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, ridges may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, may indicate a serious condition.

What deficiency causes ridges in nails?

Our nails naturally develop slight vertical ridges as we age. However, severe and raised ridges can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B12 or keratin can result in fingernail ridges. Hormonal changes can also cause ridges to appear.

What do vertical ridges in fingernails mean?

Answer From Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. Vertical nail ridges are fairly common and nothing to worry about. Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. With age, vertical nail ridges may become more numerous or prominent because of changes in cell turnover within the nail.

What causes ridges in the nails?

“On occasion, they can be the result of medical conditions like diabetes or vitamin deficiency,” she explains. Anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral vascular disease may also increase your risk for fingernail ridges. Nail trauma or a growth or tumor growing under the nail cause vertical ridges, too, Rodney adds.

Do thyroid problems cause nail ridges?

Horizontal ridges can be caused by trauma to the nail and may be deep or discolored. The can also indicate malnutrition, psoriasis or a thyroid problem. Check with your doctor if you see horizontal ridges on your nails; they may indicate a more serious problem.

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What vitamin helps with nail ridges?

Summary Adequate magnesium intake is crucial to prevent vertical ridges in your nails. This mineral also helps with protein synthesis and the formation of new nails.

At what age do nails get ridges?

At what age do you get ridges in your nails? Some people may notice them in their 30s, while others don't see them until their 50s. It depends on overall nail health and how frequently nail-cell turnover is happening (which slows as you age).

What do Beau's lines look like?

What do Beau's lines look like? Beau's lines are horizontal indentations, or ridges, that develop across the nails. They usually run straight across the nail. A person may develop one or more Beau's lines on any nail, or across multiple nails.

What are Covid nails?

COVID nails are nail changes that happen a few days or weeks after a COVID-19 infection. They're either a sign that the infection stressed your body, or they could be a rare symptom of the infection itself, depending on your symptoms.

What do nails look like with anemia?

Spoon nails are thin and soft and shaped like a little spoon that is often capable of holding a drop of water. There are many causes, but the most frequent one is iron deficiency anemia.

Can iron deficiency affect nails?

Fingernails: Possible problems

Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat. Spoon nails can also be associated with heart disease and hypothyroidism.

What is longitudinal ridging?

Longitudinal ridging refers to the vertical raised lines present on the nails. There may also be discoloration and thickening of the nails along with the ridging. A certain number of lines are typically found on all fingernails due to the basic aging process.

Does magnesium deficiency cause nail ridges?

Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, or magnesium deficiencies can cause vertical ridges on the nail beds.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause nails?

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (al. S. M., 2011) – Deficiencies specifically in vitamins A, D, E, and K typically will cause nails to be softer, termed hapalonychia. Yellow discoloration of the nails, not to be confused with onychomycosis, can occur with vitamin E deficiencies.

What medications cause nail ridges?

Should I worry about Beau lines?

Can Beau's lines be harmless? Beau's lines aren't a disease and aren't harmful by themselves. They're usually a sign that you had an illness or nail damage a few weeks or months ago. Chronic conditions that need treatment can cause them, so don't ignore them.

Are nail ridges normal?

Vertical ridges in the fingernails are most common and are usually harmless. There are times when ridges in the fingernails could be a sign of an underlying condition, especially if the ridges are horizontal. A thorough diagnosis can help people and their doctors decide on a proper treatment plan in each case.

Can arthritis cause ridges in fingernails?

RA may even lead to changes in your nails, such as the development of vertical ridges or a yellowing and thickening. Changes to your nails can be signs of RA or other systemic conditions and should be diagnosed by a doctor.

What can be done to minimize the appearance of ridges?

What can be done to minimize the appearance of ridges? (Carefully buff the nail plate, taking care not to overly thin the nail plate.) (Apply ridge filler.)

Can iron deficiency cause nail ridges?

Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Leukonychia is white streaks or spots on the nails often due to drugs or disease.

Are bananas good for nails?

Bananas are full of potassium, mineral silica – which is thought to improve the look of your nails and zinc – which strengthens your nails. Bananas also contain vitamin B6 which also contributes to health nails.

Does eating eggs strengthen nails?

Here are a few expert-recommended foods to help you grow nails that are long, strong and healthy. Meat and Eggs: “Because nails are made of the protein keratin, a diet that includes plenty of protein like red meat can help your nails repair, grow and maintain their strength,” Crisalli says.

What do fingernails look like with hypothyroidism?

Topic Guide. Can You Tell If You Have Hypothyroidism by Looking at Your Hands?: An underactive thyroid is called hypothyroidism. Some signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include vertical white ridges on the nails, brittle nails, slow nail growth, dry skin, hair loss, and weight gain.

What do fingernails look like with thyroid problems?

Curved nails with swollen fingertip

A swollen fingertip, curved nail, and thickening skin above a nail are often signs of thyroid disease.