What are nail ridges?
Nail ridges are straight lines on the nail surface, running vertically from the cuticle to the tip of the nail or horizontally. Most nail ridges are benign, but sometimes they can indicate underlying health conditions or nutritional deficiencies.
Common types of nail ridges include:
Longitudinal grooves: The most common type is longitudinal grooves, which can be seen as thin lines starting from the cuticle and extending to the tip.
Horizontal ridges: Slow-growing nails will result in visible indentations called horizontal ridges.
Causes of ridges on nails
Aging:
Vertical ridges on the nails often become more prominent after the age of 50. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, aging is the most common cause of vertical ridges. The production of keratin, the protein responsible for nail health, decreases with age. This leads to ridges on the nails becoming more prominent as cell turnover slows down and the nail plate thins.
Dehydration:
Frequent hand washing, exposure to chemicals found in skin care products, and lack of water can strip moisture from the nail, all of which can dry out the nail plate and make ridges more visible.
Nutritional deficiencies:
A lack of essential nutrients, especially iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, can weaken your nails and cause vertical ridges. According to research published in the Indian Online Journal of Dermatology, ridges on your nails can be caused by iron deficiency.
Psoriasis:
Chronic psoriasis can affect the nail bed, with structural changes seen in the nail, such as longitudinal ridges. In a study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Medicine and Surgery, researchers found that nail changes were present in 78.3 percent of participants with psoriasis.
Rheumatoid arthritis:
In some cases, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, which affect the joints, including those in the hands and feet, can cause vertical ridges on the nails. This is due to inflammation, which disrupts normal nail growth.
Diabetes:
According to research published in Practical Diabetes, ridges on your nails may be caused by diabetes. This chronic condition can cause poor blood flow to the nail bed, disrupting nail growth.
