What do horizontal ridges on fingernails mean?

Horizontal ridges run from side to side on your nails and are often referred to as Beau’s lines. Horizontal ridges can be caused by trauma to the nail and may be deep or discolored. The can also indicate malnutrition, psoriasis or a thyroid problem.

What causes vertical white lines on fingernails?

The vertical lines running from the cuticle to the top of the nail are nothing to be worried about. In most cases, such longitudinal ridging is simply a side effect of the normal aging process of nails. In addition, nails often lose their luster as they age and may appear opalescent and dull.

What vitamin deficiency causes horizontal ridges in fingernails?

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.

Why do I have brown lines on my nails?

Melanonychia is caused when the pigment cells, called melanocytes, deposit melanin into the nail. Melanin is a brown colored pigment. These deposits are usually grouped together. As your nail grows, it causes the stripe of brown or black to appear on your nail.

What are the characteristics of Muehrcke’s nails?

Some characteristics of Muehrcke’s lines are: White bands go across the entire nail from side to side. Lines are usually most clearly seen on the second, third, and fourth fingers. The nail bed looks healthy in between the lines. The lines do not move as the nail grows. The lines do not cause dents in the nail.

Why do I have Beau’s lines on my finger?

Beau’s lines are indentations that run across the nails. The indentations can appear when growth at the area under the cuticle is interrupted by injury or severe illness. Conditions associated with Beau’s lines include uncontrolled diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, as well as illnesses associated with a high fever,…

What do you call black lines on your fingernails?

Black spots or lines on nails are termed as nail moles and the resemble moles that develop on another surface of the skin. Nail moles are not a serious health condition because they are not harmful cancerous though medical attention is very important. Young adults are more prone to nail moles but less susceptible to ridges on fingernails.

When do you get Beau’s lines on your nails?

Beau’s lines are indentations that run across the nails. The indentations can appear when growth at the area under the cuticle is interrupted by injury or severe illness.