Have you ever noticed ridges on your nails and wondered what they mean? While they might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, nail ridges can sometimes signal underlying health concerns. In this article, we’ll dive into what causes ridges on your nails, when to be concerned, and how to address them. Let’s explore what a doctor has to say about this common yet often misunderstood condition.

What Are Nail Ridges?

Nail ridges are small, raised lines that run vertically or horizontally across the surface of your nails. They can appear on fingernails or toenails and vary in depth and prominence. While some ridges are harmless and simply a sign of aging, others may indicate nutritional deficiencies, health conditions, or other factors.

Types of Nail Ridges

There are two main types of nail ridges:

1. Vertical Ridges: These run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail and are often a normal part of aging. They’re usually harmless and become more noticeable as you get older.
2. Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines): These run side to side across the nail and can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a severe illness, injury, or nutritional deficiency.

Common Causes of Nail Ridges

Here’s what might be causing those ridges on your nails:

1. Aging

• As you age, your nails may develop vertical ridges due to slower cell turnover and reduced moisture levels.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

• A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, or protein, can lead to nail ridges.

3. Dehydration

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