Ridges in Nails

What are ridges in nails?

Ridges in your nails are visible lines or dents in your fingernails or toenails. The ridges may run vertically (up and down) or horizontally (across) your nail. Ridges in your nails can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. In some cases, they’re harmless.

What are the most common causes of ridges in nails?

Certain health conditions and nutrient deficiencies can cause ridges, dents or lines in your nails. Common causes of vertical nail ridges, also called longitudinal ridges, include:

• Normal aging: Many people develop vertical ridges on their nails as they get older. These lines aren’t dangerous.
• Skin conditions: If you have very dry skin or eczema, you may have vertical lines on your nails.
• Thyroid disease: If you have hypothyroidism, you may have thick, brittle nails with vertical ridges. Your nails may also crumble or break easily. They may look more rounded and your fingertip may be puffy.

Horizontal ridges or dents in your nails are usually due to a condition called Beau’s lines. These dents may happen when something interrupts your nail growth. Possible causes include:

• Chemotherapy.
• Damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods.
• Injury to your nail, like slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot.
• Peripheral vascular disease (PAD).
• Severe illness with high fever, such as COVID-19, measles or pneumonia.

Can vitamin or mineral deficiencies cause ridges in nails?

Certain nutritional deficiencies can cause changes to your nails. Zinc deficiency can cause Beau’s lines and white spots on your nails. Iron deficiency can cause vertical nail ridges and koilonychia (spoon nails). Spoon nails have a depression in the middle, like the center of your nail was scooped out. You may be able to hold a drop of water on your nail.

How are ridges in nails treated?

First, see a healthcare provider to find out the underlying cause. Treating the cause can usually improve the look of your nails and allow healthy nails to grow in.

For instance, medication for thyroid disease often improves or resolves related nail problems. Taking iron or zinc supplements — with your provider’s guidance — may help if you have a deficiency. However, it takes several months for your nails to grow out and it takes time to see a change in your nails.

If you have Beau’s lines from a previous illness, the lines should gradually grow out. But if you keep getting new Beau’s lines, tell your provider. Repeated Beau’s lines could be a sign that you have a condition that keeps interrupting your nail growth.

What can I do at home to treat ridges in nails?

If your provider has ruled out any health conditions, you can treat nail ridges with home care. The ridges may not go away completely, but you can improve the appearance of your nails if you:

• Apply moisturizer to your nails and cuticles daily to relieve dry skin or eczema. At bedtime, apply a skin cream to your hands and put on thin cotton gloves for sleeping. You can also apply a cream to your feet and wear cotton socks. If you have diabetes or neuropathy, talk to your healthcare provider about foot care.
• Ask your provider about taking biotin supplements, which could help with nail growth.
• Don’t bite your fingernails or cut your cuticles.
• Take breaks from getting gel manicures or using artificial nails or acrylics. Using these treatments continually can weaken your nails or dry them out.
• Trim your fingernails with a curved shape and your toenails straight across.
• Use a nail buffer to gently smooth the surface of your nails.
• Wear gloves that protect your hands when working with chemicals like household cleaners.

How can nail ridges be prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent nail ridges. But seeing your provider as recommended can help. Tell your provider about any health changes, including changes to your nails. If you develop nail ridges, your provider can work with you to treat the underlying cause.

When should nail ridges be treated by a healthcare provider?

Always tell your provider if you notice new ridges or lines in your nails. You may not need treatment, but you won’t know until you find out what’s causing the ridges. Other nail changes to mention to a healthcare provider include:

• Changes to the shape of your nails, including nail clubbing or spoon-shaped nails.
• Color changes in your nails, including white, green, yellow or dark marks.
• Dents (nail pitting).
• Redness and swelling around one or more of your nails.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Your nails provide important information about your health. If you have nail ridges, don’t ignore them. Talk to your provider so you can find out the cause and how to treat it, if necessary. With time and treatment, you may see new, smoother nails grow in. And if your nail ridges aren’t due to a health condition or deficiency, home nail care may help.