If you notice ripples or ridges on your fingernails, it might be more than just a cosmetic issue. Your nails can provide important clues about your overall health, sometimes revealing hidden medical conditions. Vertical ridges, which run from the base of your nail to the tip, are common and often harmless, especially as you age. These can be caused by normal aging or mild nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamins like B12, iron, or magnesium.
However, horizontal ridges, also called Beau’s lines, can signal more serious health problems. They often appear when nail growth is temporarily interrupted due to illness or stress, and they may be related to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or infections. When these lines show up on all nails, it can indicate systemic diseases like pneumonia or syphilis.
There are also white horizontal lines known as Muehrcke’s lines, which may point to issues with liver or kidney function and can be a sign of low protein levels in the blood. If you see these lines on several nails, a medical check-up is recommended.
Most ripples result from minor causes, including diet and natural changes, and improving nutrition often helps. However, if nail changes happen suddenly, worsen, or come with other symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying diseases.
