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Vertical vs. Horizontal Lines, Nutrient Deficiencies & When to Worry
Noticed ridges, bumps, or lines on your nails? While most are harmless, some can signal nutritional gaps, aging, or even underlying health issues. Here’s a doctor-approved breakdown of what your nails might be telling you—and when to see a professional.
Types of Nail Ridges & Their Causes
1. Vertical Ridges (Running Up/Down the Nail)
What they look like: Thin, raised lines from cuticle to tip.
Common causes:
Aging (most common after 50, as nail growth slows).
Mild dehydration or nutrient deficiencies (zinc, vitamin B12).
Minor trauma (like frequent manicures).
When to worry: Rarely serious, but if paired with brittleness or color changes, check for anemia or circulation issues.
2. Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)
What they look like: Indentations or grooves running side-to-side.
Common causes:
Severe stress (illness, surgery, or high fever).
Chemotherapy or chronic conditions (diabetes, kidney disease).
Zinc or protein deficiency.
When to worry: If multiple nails are affected, it may reflect a past systemic issue (timing correlates with growth rate: ~6 months prior).
3. Spoon Nails (Koilonychia)
What they look like: Nails curve upward like a spoon.
Common causes:
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