What does it mean when you have deep ridges in your nails?

Question

I think I remember hearing that this is caused by some vitamin deficiency or something?

I have rather prominent, vertical ridges in my finger nails, and the ridges are more prominent in some finger nails than others.

Answer 1

It could be a vitamin deficiency, though chances are its just a calcium buildup in your nails. This also happens can happen with age, and while sometimes unsightly is not a major concern for most people who have it.

For a quick, inexpensive fix, purchase a buffer kit, which will polish the top of your nails down, making them look smooth and healthy, and make manicures look oh-so much better.

I have the same problem, and I found buffing them worked the best for me, the entire kit probably only cost $4 total, and I'm sure you could find cheaper (or more expensive and nicer) ones wherever you may be.

Answer 2

Deep Ridges In Nails

Answer 3

No two Web sites agreed exactly, but I have gleaned all I can from several sites and do hereby offer it up for consideration:

RIDGES IN GENERAL
Vitamin A and B deficiency causes fragile nails, with horizontal and vertical ridges.

HORIZONTAL RIDGES
Injury; infection; nutrition; arsenic poisoning (rare); can be due to normal nail growth

VERTICAL RIDGES
Aging, thyroid disease; kidney failure; severe nutritional deficiencies (too little B6, B12, and folic acid), too little protein, too little iron/zinc, poor absorption of vitamins and minerals

SEE YOUR DOCTOR
It may be impossible to know exactly which problem (s) are apparent without a medical professional looking at bloodwork, genetics, family history, and eating habits.

Answer 4

You heard right, at some point you experienced a vitamin deficiency and the ridges usually start in the pinkys and they don't go away.

Answer 5

Sometimes it really doesnt mean anything and is only from your genetics. I have heard of vitamin deficiencies too and I would suspect it be a deficiency in essential oils. Omega 3's vitamin A E as well as Vitamin D.... Just a guess though.

Answer 6

Have you have acrylic fingernails recently? That always happens to my nails after I remove fake ones so I just stopped all together.

Deep ridges in the fingernail can mean poor nutrition or an infection.

Answer 7

Verical ridges means vertical ridges are in your genes. They'll probably become more pronounced as you age. Horizontal ridges usually indicate an underlying health problem

Answer 8

Longitudinal ridges, parallel to the length of your finger, are fairly common in people of African descent. However, if this doesn't apply to you and/or it's a recent development or gotten deeper over time, it may be a sign of melanoma. See a board-certified dermatologist if you have doubts.

Answer 9

Sometimes as we get older ridges form in the nails. To get rid of them get a nail buffer and buff them out of your nails every couple of weeks when you polish your finger nails or when you manicure your nails.

Answer 10

It means nothing. It just happens and sometimes gets worse as you get older. Now if you have horizontal ridges, you should see your doctor. That is a sign of something more serious.