From the Research
Vertical nail lines are typically a normal sign of aging and usually don't require treatment, but certain patterns may indicate underlying health issues, and medical evaluation is recommended if they appear suddenly or are accompanied by concerning symptoms. These ridges occur when the nail matrix (the area where nails grow from) develops tiny projections that cause the nail to grow with vertical lines. For mild cases, keeping nails moisturized with regular hand lotion or nail oil can help improve appearance, as suggested by general dermatological practices 1. If the ridges are bothersome, gentle buffing with a fine-grit buffer can smooth them, but avoid excessive buffing which can thin the nail. While vertical lines are generally harmless, certain patterns may indicate underlying health issues - deep, prominent ridges accompanied by nail splitting might suggest nutritional deficiencies (particularly protein, iron, or zinc), while sudden onset of vertical ridges could signal inflammatory conditions like lichen planus. Some studies have explored the use of biotin for nail conditions, showing improvement in firmness, hardness, and thickness of brittle nails with oral biotin 1. However, the provided evidence does not directly address the treatment of vertical nail lines. Maintaining good nail health through proper nutrition, adequate hydration, and avoiding harsh chemicals can help minimize the appearance of these ridges. It's also important to note that surgical nail avulsion, as discussed in some studies 2, 3, 4, is not typically recommended for vertical nail lines, but rather for conditions like onychocryptosis or nail tumors. In cases where nail avulsion is necessary, a new surgical modification using an 11 no. surgical blade instead of nail clippers has been proposed to minimize trauma to the nail bed 3. Additionally, non-operative treatment has been shown to be effective for simple fingernail avulsion injuries in children, with no significant differences in outcome compared to surgical nail plate refixation 5.