What do ridged lines on fingernails mean?
Ridges in the fingernails are often normal signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, they may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, may indicate a serious condition.
What deficiency causes ridges in nails?
Our nails naturally develop slight vertical ridges as we age. However, severe and raised ridges can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B12 or keratin can result in fingernail ridges. Hormonal changes can also cause ridges to appear.
Should I file the ridges on my nails?
You can buff your nails‚ just keep it to once a month. Both experts caution against harsh buffing and say it can cause your nail plate to thin. Try using a four-way nail file to smooth away ridges, file in one direction only, and don’t use too much force so you don’t cause trauma to the nail and nail bed.
How to tell if you have ridges on your fingernails?
Signs and symptoms of having ridges in fingernails include the following: Horizontal ridges on fingernails Vertical ridges on nails. Raised small ridges on fingernails. Small cut like dents on fingernails. Shallow cuts grooves on nails. Curled nails. White spots and lines on nails. Discolorations of nails either dark or black
What does longitudinal ridging look like on nails?
Longitudinal ridging is found on the nails in the shape of vertical marks or lines running from the base of the fingernail to the top. The ridges are raised lines which can be caused by a number of factors. Most people will have a couple of these lines even if they are perfectly healthy.
What can a dermatologist do about nail ridges?
Treatment typically focuses on resolving the condition that is causing the nail ridges to appear. For instance, if a skin condition such as eczema is causing ridges in the fingernails, the dermatologist will try to reduce the symptoms of eczema by prescribing topical treatments.
What causes vertical ridges and dents in nails?
Anemia can cause vertical ridges to appear and may also make dents appear in the nail. A splinter hemorrhage is a tiny blood clot that can create a vertical discoloration beneath the nail. If the person does not know what caused the bleeding from the hemorrhage, they should consider a trip to the dermatologist.