Nail care isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also important for health, as abnormalities can develop in this area that may reveal various conditions.

One of the most common and noticeable irregularities is ridges on the nails. Although harmless, these grooves can serve as indicators of systemic diseases or nutritional deficiencies, among other things.

According to a study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, fingernail ridges provide more accurate information than toenail ridges. Discover why lines appear on your nails and what to do to get rid of them.

What causes lines on the nails? Lines on the nails appear for several reasons, from skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, to deficiencies in protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A. The orientation and size of the lines are crucial in determining what’s happening.

Vertical Lines
Vertical lines are ridges that extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Generally, older adults tend to develop slight vertical ridges due to a decrease in cell renewal. This occurs when new cells wait beneath the skin’s surface to replace the dead cells on the outside.

If other abnormalities are also present, such as changes in color and texture, an underlying condition may be suspected. For example, in trachyonychia, a condition that can be an isolated phenomenon or linked to other skin disorders, the nail ridges change color, and their surface becomes rough and brittle.
Similarly, people with iron deficiency anemia may also present with vertical lines. Likewise, changes in shape can give the nails a concave or spoon-like appearance.

Horizontal Lines
Horizontal ridges, also known as Beau’s lines, are considered a symptom of more serious diseases. These indentations on the nail surface can impede nail growth until the underlying condition is detected and treated.

Beau’s lines are an indication of acute kidney disease, and when they develop on all 20 nails, they suggest the presence of mumps, thyroid disease, diabetes, or syphilis. According to a study published in Acta Haematologica, they also appear in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

A blow or trauma is another reason why red or brown spots develop under the nails. It’s important to be very careful not to confuse these changes in color with symptoms of diseases such as endocarditis or melanoma. In those cases, you should be alert for a dark brown, black, or red color.

How can you determine what’s causing the lines on your nails?
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