What are the vertical lines on my fingernails?
A. Vertical lines or ridging is a natural part of nail growth. These lines may be more pronounced in some people’s nails, particularly as they get older, but the ridges are usually mild.
What causes Beau’s lines on nails?
A lack of zinc in the body may be caused by a poor diet or other factors. People who don’t consume enough zinc may experience: There are several kinds of disorders affecting the nails, and more specifically causing lines similar to Beau’s lines to form. A black line on the nails is known as a splinter hemorrhage.
Why do I have black lines on my fingernails?
These include: Another cause of black lines on the nails is a splinter hemorrhage, which occurs when blood vessels under the fingernail are damaged, often due to injuries, such as hitting. More seriously, a black line or lines on the nails can indicate the presence of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.
Are the black lines in my nails melanoma?
Of course, the black lines in your nails may not be melanoma. As mentioned, they are common in dark-skinned individuals, often without health repercussions. Still, it’s a good idea to show them to your doctor regardless of complexion and age.
Why do I have vertical ridges on my fingernails?
Vertical nail ridges, which are fairly common, extend from the cuticle to the tip of your nail. They often become more numerous or prominent with age, possibly due to variations in cell turnover within your nail. If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges across your nails, talk to your doctor.
When should I worry about nail ridges on my fingernails?
If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges across your nails, talk to your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition.
What causes Beau’s lines in nails?
In contrast to longitudinal ridges, Beau’s lines are horizontal or transverse depressions in the nail that may be confused with nail ridging. These are caused by diseases that affect the entire body, including malnutrition, heart attack (myocardial infarction), severe infections, and metabolic disturbances, including poorly controlled diabetes.