Have you noticed visible lines or dents in your fingernails, wondering what it may signify? Although this is a common symptom of aging, it may also be an indicator of various health conditions. Hence, it becomes important to consult an expert if you notice changes in your nails as they often indicate your well-being. In this article, we explain nail ridges, their types, causes, and home remedies for management.
What Are Nail Ridges?
Nail ridges are grooves or raised lines that form on the nail plate and may run horizontally or vertically. They can vary in severity, from barely noticeable to quite pronounced. While some ridges are harmless and occur as a natural part of ageing, others might signal nutritional deficiencies, health conditions, or external nail damage.
Types Of Nail Ridges
- Vertical nail ridges: These run from the base of the nail to the tip and are generally more common. They often develop with age as the nail matrix and are usually harmless. You may notice uneven bumps or roughness when running your finger along the nail.
- Horizontal nail ridges (Beau's lines): Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau's lines run across the nail and may indicate an underlying condition. They can result from interrupted nail growth due to illness, injury, or nutrient deficiencies. If the condition is not treated, your nail may even stop growing. If there's no nail growth for over two weeks, Beau's line may lead to onychomadesis (fungal nail infection), according to a 2015 study.
Causes Of Ridges In Nails
- Ageing: It can cause various changes in your body and may also lead to the development of vertical nail ridges. According to a 2015 study, vertical ridges in fingernails occur in the elderly due to slow cell turnover. This is a stage when your new skin cells forming below the skin surface rise to take the place of discarding dead cells from the surface.
- Physical trauma or injury: Another cause of nail ridge may be trauma or injury to the nail bed. Some of the examples are injuring your finger in a door, nail-biting, or cuticle picking. Not only this, applying gel nail paint or using acetone-based nail polish remover may also harm your nails, causing ridges.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: You may also notice nail ridges if you lack nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and biotin. Iron deficiency anaemia can cause vertical lines and changes in their nails, making them spoon-shaped. Zinc deficiency can lead to Beau lines, while biotin deficiency can cause ridges and brittle nails.
- Nail infections: They can also cause ridges or other changes in your nails. Fungal nail infection can affect the colour, texture, and shape of your nails, as stated by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
- Health Conditions: In some cases, nail ridges may indicate an underlying disease, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Hence, if the symptoms do not subside over time, visit a doctor immediately.
Home Remedies To Manage Nail Ridges
- Hydrate your nails: Keep your nails moisturised and hydrated with the help of hand creams and oil containing vitamin E or jojoba oil.
- Balanced Diet: Following a balanced diet will supply your body with the essential nutrients, helping your nails to grow and stay healthy.
- Practise nail care: Trim your nails regularly and avoid over-buffing as it may thin the nail plate and make it more prone to damage.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid overusing nail polish removers containing acetone. Instead, choose gentler, acetone-free alternatives.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]