Seeing vertical ridges on your nails might not look pleasant, but should you be worried? Your nails can actually tell you a lot about your health. Various conditions, such as stress, or issues with your kidneys or thyroid, can lead to changes in your nails. Vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip are quite common. Though they could sometimes indicate a lack of certain nutrients, they often appear simply due to aging, much like changes in your skin, hair, and bones.
If you’re curious about what your nails say about your health, here are five key things to know about vertical ridges:
1. Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin A, or minerals like calcium and zinc, can make ridges appear on your nails.
2. Brown Vertical Ridges: If you notice brown stripes on your nails, it might be a sign of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. While commonly thought to appear only as a mole or dark spot, it can also begin in the nail. If you spot any brown coloration, see a dermatologist.
3. Horizontal Ridges: These are more concerning than vertical ones. Known as Beau’s lines, deep horizontal ridges suggest that your nails stopped growing temporarily. This could be due to nail trauma or a hidden health issue, so it’s wise to consult a doctor.
4. Nail Care: Proper nail care is key to prevention. Moisturizing your nails with oils like nail, vitamin E, coconut, or olive oil can help keep ridges at bay.
5. Nail Polish: Skipping nail polish can be beneficial as it avoids the drying chemicals and staining caused by some polishes. Plus, it allows sunlight to reach the nails, enhancing their health and appearance.
While most of the time, nail ridges are a normal part of aging, it’s crucial to be mindful of any nail changes. These could potentially signal a serious health issue.
