Don’t be alarmed—nails, which often reflect our internal health, can sometimes show vertical lines. But what do they mean? This isn’t a disease in itself, but a symptom. The key is to understand the underlying cause in order to start the most appropriate treatment.
Many people have looked at their own nails—or someone else’s—and noticed vertical lines running across them. This is a very common issue and is usually nothing to worry about. Still, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to determine the cause and decide whether intervention is needed.
Vertical Lines on the Nails: Key Points
What they are
The causes
The symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatments
Remedies
Telemedicine servicesDermatological consultations
What Are Vertical Lines on Nails?
Vertical ridges or lines may appear as flat or raised streaks running from the base to the tip of the nail. These changes can be seen on one or both hands and are often symmetrical. Although usually harmless, they can sometimes signal various health issues such as:
Aging
Trauma or injury
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Metabolic conditions
Nutritional deficiencies
Infections
Early signs of cardiovascular problemsNail health supplementsNail care treatments
General nail fragility
Causes
Vertical nail ridges can be related to:
Aging (a normal part of the aging process)
Trauma (e.g., injury to the nail matrix)
Infection
Malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies
They may also be associated with medical conditions, including:
Anemia
Rheumatoid arthritisTelemedicine servicesNail care treatments
Dermatitis
Hypothyroidism
Psoriasis
Nail biting (onychophagia)
Symptoms
The most common signs include:
Vertical or horizontal ridges, more or less pronounced
A thin or brittle nail plate
Notches or cracks along the nail edge
Discoloration or loss of shineNail health supplements
These symptoms may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.
Diagnosis
To determine the cause, a dermatological examination is usually the first step. This includes visual assessment and may involve tools like videomicroscopy.
If an infection is suspected, a nail sample may be taken for microbiological testing. Based on the results, your dermatologist can identify the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Treatments
