From the Guidelines
Ridges in fingernails are typically caused by age-related cell turnover slowdown, trauma, or underlying health issues, and while vertical ridges are usually harmless, horizontal ridges may indicate a more serious condition. When considering the causes of fingernail ridges, it's essential to distinguish between vertical and horizontal ridges, as they have different implications for health and treatment. Vertical ridges, which become more prominent with age, are generally harmless and can be improved with moisturizing hand creams or nail oils 1.
Key Considerations
- Vertical ridges are similar to skin wrinkles and typically do not require treatment
- Horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) may indicate underlying health issues, such as severe illness, injury, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications
- Proper nutrition, including biotin-rich foods, gentle nail care, and avoiding harsh chemicals, can help minimize the appearance of vertical ridges
- Buffing nails lightly can temporarily smooth ridges, but excessive buffing can weaken nails
Underlying Health Issues
According to the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of onychomycosis 1, noninfectious conditions such as chronic trauma, psoriasis, onycholysis, onychogryphosis, subungual malignant melanoma, and lichen planus can produce nail changes that mimic onychomycosis.
Important Factors
- Repetitive trauma to the nail plate can result in abnormal nail appearance and may lead to colonization by infectious pathogens
- A thorough examination of the nail bed, including a clipping of the infected nail area, can help differentiate between nail trauma and onychomycosis 1
- Maintaining good nail health through proper nutrition and gentle care can help minimize the appearance of vertical ridges.
From the Research
Causes of Fingernails with Ridges
- Fingernails with ridges can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies and certain diseases 2, 3
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of vitamins and minerals, can affect nail health and cause ridges 4, 5, 3
- Specific micronutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in biotin, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and copper, can lead to nail abnormalities, including ridges 4, 5, 3
- Certain diseases, such as Hailey-Hailey disease, can also cause nail involvement, including longitudinal leukonychia and ridges 2
- Brittle nail syndrome, which can be caused by nutritional deficiencies or other factors, can also lead to ridges and other nail abnormalities 4, 5, 6
- Other factors, such as damage to the nail matrix or changes to nail plate cohesion, can also contribute to the development of ridges on the fingernails 6