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Why do you have ridges in fingernails?
Vertical ridges run from the cuticle at the base of your fingernail to the tip. There is generally no concern for this type of ridges in your fingernails or toenails.
Horizontal Ridges in fingernails often occur due to aging, nail trauma and underlying medical conditions. Aging is the predominant factor when it comes to aging, but other factors need to be considered too. Onychorrhexis is the medical term for vertical ridges that is associated with brittle nails. Beau’s lines are horizontal or transverse depressions that are often confused with nail ridges. This is caused by numerous factors which affect your body such as:
- Malnutrition
- Heart attack
- Severe infections
- Metabolic disturbances
- Poorly controlled Diabetes
Types of ridges found on your fingernails:
Beau’s lines
This is the most well-known type of ridges in fingernails. These are horizontal depressions running across your nail plate. The grooves often disappear once you’ve recovered from the illness.
Muehrcke's Lines
These lines show up as a pair of transverse white lines that run across your nail plates, horizontally. They run parallel to the lunula which is caused by a vascular abnormality in the nail bed. When you press your nail, it disappears temporarily. They are found in people with low albumin levels, malnutrition, and liver disease.
Mee’s Lines
These are horizontal white bands on numerous nails. Its caused by arsenic poisoning or serious systemic illnesses.
Terry’s Nails
The nail plate is white, however, a narrow horizontal band near your fingertip is present. These are often found in people with diabetes, kidney disease, HIV infection or liver cirrhosis.
Horizontal Half Moons
White, horizontal half moons appear at the base of your nail beds is called the lunula. It could either be blue or red lines appearing which requires different treatment.
Nail Trauma
Horizontal ridges can occur through trauma experienced to the nail. These grooves are usually temporary and will grow out.
Is it safe to apply acrylic or gel nails over fingernails that have ridges?
Yes, it is safe to apply and will not cause additional harm or ridges to your fingernails. As long as there isn’t a separation of your nail from the finger or an infection, then your nail would not come to any other harm. However, if you’re receiving treatment for any illnesses check with your medical doctor whether it is safe for you to apply nail art even if you have ridges in fingernails.
This video gives more insight as to what causes ridges in fingernails.
We’d love your thoughts on ridges in fingernails. Do you have them? Please leave your comments below.
