What makes lines in fingernails

In trachyonychia, or nail dystrophy, the ridges may be accompanied by a change in color to your nails, or your nails may become rough or brittle.

Iron deficiency anemia can also trigger vertical ridges and changes to your nails that make them concave, or spoon-shaped.

They may actually stop nail growth until the underlying condition is treated. Trauma to your nails can cause red or brown spots to form underneath your nails. Sudden changes in your nails should be examined by your doctor. If you damaged your nail in an injury, you may wait to see how the nail and your finger heal for a few weeks before deciding whether to see a doctor.

Your doctor may order urine and blood tests if they suspect kidney disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. If it appears the ridges are the result of a skin condition, a dermatologist can start you on a treatment plan. If the cause of your fingernail ridges is unclear, your dermatologist may take some fingernail clippings to have them analyzed in a lab for signs of infection. Because fingernail ridges are usually signs of other health problems, treatment is focused on the underlying cause of the changes to your nails.

Treatment for skin conditions such as eczema may include moisturizers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms. If low levels of minerals or vitamins are to blame, you may be advised to alter your diet or take supplements to boost your levels. Buffing your fingernails with an emery board may help smooth ridges. Ask your dermatologist for advice on treating your nails.

You can connect to a dermatologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool. Most of the time, ridges in fingernails are normal signs of aging. These might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. 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. If you want nails that grow faster, you can start by taking good care of your body and using the following tips. A narrow, vertical black line on your nail is called a splinter hemorrhage. Lines that create a horizontal stripe are called Beau's lines.

However, there is no lotion that speeds up nail growth. We look at home remedies and dietary tips…. All you need to know about ridges in fingernails. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Types and causes Other causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Takeaway Many different health conditions can cause changes in the nails and nail bed, including shaping ridges in the nails. Types and causes. Share on Pinterest Ridges on the fingernails may be vertical or horizontal.

Usually, the cause is aging. Other causes and symptoms. Share on Pinterest Damage to the nails through injury can cause ridges to develop. This is usually temporary, and will heal with time. Share on Pinterest Treatment will be based on the underlying cause of the nail ridges. For example, treatment may include applying topical ointment or lotion to the hands if the cause is eczema. Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Related Coverage. What to know about iron deficiency anemia. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What to know about a black line on the nail. What can you do to make your nails grow faster? In rare cases, a nail ridge can be a sign of a larger health issue. Acrylic, gel , or dip manicures won't necessarily cause them, but they can worsen the issue if the nail is over-buffed during removal, Stern adds.

If an electric file or aggressive scraping is [used], the nail matrix can be damaged and the nail plate can develop surface irregularities or also become too thin. Stern recommends keeping nails short, using a glass nail file — we like OPI's Crystal Nail File — instead of an emery board "which causes microscopic tears in the nail that can lead to splits and peeling" , and keeping your circulation up with regular exercise or hand massages.

Wearing gloves for housekeeping or gardening can help too. Courtesy of brand. Keeping your hands hydrated, especially in the winter months, is also key. Usually, a ridge is no reason to worry, but if it seems to have come out of nowhere and you don't remember bruising it, Gohara says it might be good to see a doctor.

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