What Does It Mean When Your Fingernails Have Ridges

The appearance of fingernails can tell a doctor many things about a person s health from a simple vitamin deficiency to something more serious.

They often become more numerous or prominent with age possibly due to variations in cell turnover within your nail. In fact these odd little lines are quite common and normally are nothing to be alarmed about. Vertical ridges may result from injury to the nail bed or plate and can become more visible as you age as can white spots and lines on the nails. If your body is low in.

However if you notice horizontal ridges across your nails it s best to visit a doctor or medical professional recommends the mayo clinic 3. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition. A single ridge in the middle of the nail for instance could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency like protein or folic acid. These markings may indicate an underlying health issue.

As long as they aren t accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in color they re. Fingernails are made by living skin cells in your fingers. Dana stern md says ridges are akin to wrinkles in the nail fingernails and toenails and things like aging genetics compromised circulation and excessive exposure to chemicals and water can cause these ridges to appear. So a skin condition such as eczema may lead to fingernail ridges.

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One extremely common cause of ridges on fingernails is malnutrition or malabsorption. Vertical grooves or ridges are quite common. Skin dryness can also cause these ridges. When fingernail ridges develop as a result of a person aging they are harmless.

However anyone that notices any additional symptoms or changes in the nail that accompany the ridges should visit a. If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges across your nails talk to your doctor. In rare cases ridges in fingernails could be a sign of anemia rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular problems. Vertical ridges generally appear later in life and run from the tip of your fingernail to the cuticle.

However horizontal ridges are not and they may signify an underlying illness. Many vitamin deficiencies cause ridges on fingernails as the body s production of the materials in the nail is interrupted.