Lines in fingernails can provide ample information about an individual’s medical well-being. The nails can tell a story about someone’s internal health condition. A common case of concern is lines in fingernails. These lines manifest on the surface of the nails in the form of streaks, ridges and discoloration in vertical or horizontal manner. Some of these lines are normal and part of growing old while others can be sensitive and can reveal intricate health related issues.
This article aims to give clarity on the formation, symptoms and methods to treat the condition of lines in finger nails.
Fingernail Line Types
Every person will experience different types of lines in fingernails. Identifying the form of line is crucial in understanding the cause and path towards resolution. The lines in fingernails are categorized into two significant forms.
- Vertical Lines (Longitudinal Ridges)
- Horizontal Lines (Transverse Ridges)
1. Vertical Lines (Longitudinal Ridges)
This is one of the two types of lines in fingernails which is quite common. Vertical lines are formed from cuticles to tips of nails and are commonly streaked from the tip to base.
✅ Vertical Line Causes:
- Aging – The appearance of vertical ridges is often considered normal with advanced age. With aging, the natural secretion of oils and moisture in the nail base region reduces, leading to uneven growth and formation of ridges.
- Nutrient Deficiencies – Vertical lines on nails are caused from weak nails that erupt due to the lack of nutrients such as iron, zinc and biotin.
- Dehydration – Nails that lack moisture are more likely to develop ridges in the nail.
- Poor Nail Care – Vertical lines in fingernails can result from excessive nail polish application, exposure to strong chemicals, or inadequate nail care.
- Underlying Health Conditions – Vertical ridges in nails can arise with some health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disease, or even anemia.
🚨 When to Worry:
Consider seeking immediate medical assistance if during assessment, the accompanying changes entail color, thickness around the nails, or make them brittle containing vertical ridges as these signs can indicate more severe health problems.
2. Horizontal Lines in Fingernails (Transverse Ridges or Beau’s Lines) Horizontal lines are more alarming than vertical ones because they indicate an interruption in the growth of the nail associated with a health problem.
Beau lines are the best recognized horizontal lines on a fingernail.
✅ Causes of Horizontal Lines:
- Trauma or Injury – Horizontal ridges can form as a result of trauma to the nail matrix.
- Severe Illness or Stress – High-grade fevers, pneumonia, or COVID-19 are systemic illnesses that can temporarily halt nail growth and cause horizontal lines in fingernails.
- Nutritional Deficiencies – Horizonal ridging may occur due to deficits in zinc, iron, or protein.
- Skin Conditions – Transverse ridges can be caused by affected nail bed Eczema or Psoriasis.
- Medications – Certain autoimmune disease treatment drugs and chemotherapy can lead to Beau’s lines.
- Chronic Conditions – There is an association between horizontal lines in fingernails and diabetes, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular disease.
🚨 When to Worry:
- The simultaneous occurrence of horizontal ridges on multiple nails may indicate a broader health issue that requires attention.
- Persistent or deepening Beau’s lines may necessitate a doctor’s assessment.
Other Types of Lines In Fingernails
Along with vertical and horizontal ridges, there are other patterns on fingernails which give a glimpse of the health condition of the person:
3. White Lines (Muehrcke’s Lines)
- With these lines, two pairs of white lines form in the horizontal direction of the nails.
- Unlike the Beau’s lines, they do not shift with nail growth and they are also not indented.
- Cause: To have Muehrcke’s lines, one often has a low albumin level in the protein and blood which is usually caused by liver or kidney disease or even malnutrition.
4. Red or Brown Streaks (Splinter Hemorrhages)
- Red streaks which can also be brown appears under the nail in the vertical direction which gives them the name splinter.
- Cause: These streaks are usually linked with trauma or a heart infection and is a result of blood vessels beneath the nail being damaged.
5. Black Lines (Melanonychia)
- These are dark streaks which can be horizontal or vertical and appear black and brown.
- Cause: Streaks Melanonychia can be caused by nail fungus or trauma, in worse conditions, it could be skin cancer.
What are the Causes of Lines on Fingernails?
Some lines appearing on the fingernails is typically normal while other surely depicts some rare health conditions. While there is an entire collection of possible reasons, the following could be the most effective ones:
🥗 1. Nutritional Deficiencies
- These people will have missing iron in their diet or reduced iron consumption which leads to thinning vertical nail ridges on their finger.
- Sometimes, people also suffer from a lack of zinc which causes nails to become brittle and form horizontal ridges.
- Biotin deficiency also leads to a sign of brittle, thin nails.
💊 2. Medical Condition
- Anemia → Thin nails are developed, often having vertical ridges.
- Kidney or Liver Disease → Might develop horizontal lines, white in color (Muehrcke’s lines).
- Thyroid Disease → Brittle nails with horizontal or vertical ridges may form.
- Psoriasis → Often results in color change, chipping, and addition of ridges.
🔨 3. Trauma and Injury
- Vertical and horizontal lines in fingernails can develop as a result of repeated trauma following biting nails, having manicures, or through stress from working.
😰 4. Stress and Illness
- Emotional or physical pain in excess may cause disruption to nail growth and result in Beau’s lines.
Treatment for Lines in Fingernails
The origin of the cause determines treatment for lines in fingernails. Here are a few general guidelines:
✅ 1. Improve Your Diet
- Eating more iron (leafy greens, red meat) and zinc (nuts, seeds) alongside biotin (egg, salmon) will be beneficial.
- Keeping hydrated ensures nails don’t dry and become brittle.
✅ 2. Moisturize Regularly
- Daily application of cuticle oil or hand cream ensures proper moisturization so that nails do not become dehydrated and ridges do not form.
✅ 3. Avoid Trauma and Harsh Chemicals
- When using harsh chemicals or water opt for gloves.
- Stop nail biting and do not use aggressive methods in manicures.
✅ 4. Address Core Health Problems
- See a practitioner if you think you have a health problem that needs addressing so that they can give you a diagnosis and treatment.
✅ 5. Nail Maintenance
- Utilize sanitized nail clippers to regularly trim your nails so that they do not grow too long.
- Gently use a buffing tool to rid the nail of ridges, taking care not to over-thin.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A professional should be contacted if:
✔️ Nails are changing color, thickening, or forming unusual spots.
✔️ Nails are ridged and deep and multiple nails are impacted.
✔️ There is pain, swelling or unusual discharge close to the nail.
✔️ You feel extreme unexplained fatigue or have recently lost weight or changed your skin.
