Table of Contents
What deficiency causes ridges in fingernails?
Our nails naturally develop slight vertical ridges as we age. However, severe and raised ridges can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B12 or keratin can result in fingernail ridges. Hormonal changes can also cause ridges to appear.
What do vertical ridges on fingernails mean?
Answer From Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. Vertical nail ridges are fairly common and nothing to worry about. Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. With age, vertical nail ridges may become more numerous or prominent because of changes in cell turnover within the nail.
Can low iron cause ridges in nails?
Ridges – Ridges in the nail are common as we age, but when they occur in our younger years, or are particularly pronounced in the center of the nail, it’s often because of iron deficiency.
At what age do nail ridges appear?
At what age do you get ridges in your nails? Some people may notice them in their 30s, while others don’t see them until their 50s. It depends on overall nail health and how frequently nail-cell turnover is happening (which slows as you age).
What do nails with anemia look like?
Spoon nails (koilonychia) are soft nails that look scooped out. The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat.
How do you treat ridges in fingernails?
How do I get rid of ridges on my fingernails?
- Take a multivitamin. If your nail ridges are due to vitamin deficiency, Dr.
- Drink water. Water is baaasically the answer to 99 percent of beauty questions, and this is no different.
- Moisturize.
- See a doctor.
What causes ridges in the fingernails?
Many different health conditions can cause changes in the nails and nail bed, including shaping ridges in the nails. Vertical ridges in the fingernails are most common and are usually harmless. There are times when ridges in the fingernails could be a sign of an underlying condition, especially if the ridges are horizontal.
When should I worry about nail ridges on my fingernails?
If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges across your nails, talk to your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition.
Are vertical ridges in the fingernails normal?
Vertical ridges in the fingernails are most common and are usually harmless. There are times when ridges in the fingernails could be a sign of an underlying condition, especially if the ridges are horizontal.
What is the treatment for ridges in fingernails?
Treatment typically focuses on resolving the condition that is causing the nail ridges to appear. For instance, if a skin condition such as eczema is causing ridges in the fingernails, the dermatologist will try to reduce the symptoms of eczema by prescribing topical treatments.