Ridges on Fingernails

Ridges on fingernails is a common fingernail problem, but are not a serious health concern. Ridges on nails are of two types - vertical and horizontal and may be indicative of an underlying medical condition.

Although vertical ridges are not considered to be a serious concern, horizontal ridges need to be taken seriously. Vertical ridges on fingernails are common and extend from the base of the nail cuticle to the tip of the nail. These ridges become more prominent as you grow older and do not particularly indicate any underlying medical condition or illness. But if you observe horizontal ridges on your nails, then these are indicative of serious medical conditions.

Horizontal Ridges

Horizontal ridges on nails, if observed, may require medical treatment. These are of different kinds and each one indicates a different underlying medical condition. Listed below are the types of horizontal ridges.

Beau’s lines: These horizontal ridges on fingernails are characterized by linear depressions and cells that have been darkened. They indicate conditions like trauma, malnutrition, a problem in the metabolism functions of the body, previous acute illness, chemotherapy, etc. These ridges are caused due to an interruption in protein synthesis by the nail.

Muerhcke lines: These ridges are caused due to interruption in pigmentation and indicate albumin deficiency caused due to kidney or liver disease, chemotherapy and malnutrition.

Transverse ridges: These nail ridges indicate a past history of a severe illness.

Aldrich Mee’s lines: These are discolored lines, that appear after an episode of arsenic poisoning or poisoning by other heavy materials. It may also indicate a severe renal illness that the person may be suffering from.

Terry’ nails: This type of nail ridges are characterized by a white nail plate and the tip of the nail having a horizontal band. It indicates diabetes, HIV infection, kidney disorders or liver cirrhosis.

What Causes Ridges on Fingernails

Ridges on fingernails are caused mostly due to mal-absorption and malnutrition. Lack of essential vitamins hinders the process of keratin formation in the nails and this can cause ridges on the nails. Another common cause of nail ridges can be attributed to lack of sufficient moisture in the nails or the nails being too dry and trauma caused to the nail matrix. This also causes the nails to become brittle. Other causes of ridges on fingernails include respiratory diseases, autoimmune diseases, skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, exposure to toxins like arsenic, etc.

Tips to Avoid and Treat Ridges on Fingernails

• Always wear gloves while dealing with any kind of chemical solutions or harsh materials.
• Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday.
• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in vitamins.
• If required, also consume nutritional supplements. Vitamin supplements and zinc supplements will help.
• Buff the nails with an emery board and wait for the nails to grow out. Ridges may cure with time, so be patient.
• Use a hydrating moisturizer or cuticle lotion and keep your nails well hydrated and moisturized.
• In case of appearance of horizontal ridges, consult a doctor immediately and get yourself treated.
• Getting a manicure done to your fingernails once in a while and indulging in some nail care can help avoid ridges on fingernails and will also help in improving the overall fingernail health.

Follow the above tips for healthy nails and to avoid other fingernail problems like nail fungus, white spots, etc.