Should I Be Concerned about Fingernail Ridges?

Ridges on the fingernails, along with discolorations and contour changes, are important indications of undiagnosed medical problems. When you see these ripples, it is not always a cause for concern, however. Sometimes, ridges are from previous injuries. Sometimes, they are simply a part of your natural body. Here, we will take a look at some of the different types of ridges that may "invade" your fingernails, and what they say about your health.
 

When the ridges on your fingernails run vertically or length-wise, it is a common normal variant and usually not a sign of serious disease. Those ridges that extend from the base of your fingernail to the tip in an orderly fashion are oftentimes just a sign of aging; in older people, cells are replaced less frequently, and these types of ridges can be the result. Vertical nail ridges do not indicate poor health, generally, so don’t panic if you have these.

Horizontal Nail Ridges (Beau’s Lines)

If you have ridges that go from one side and cross over to the other side of the nail, then you have horizontal ridges on your nails. Although the exact characteristics of these ridges vary from one person to the next, they should always be taken seriously as these horizontal ridges can signal an underlying medical condition. If you have recently noticed the development of horizontal nail ridges, consult with your healthcare professional to see what is advisable.

Also called Beau's lines, horizontal ridges are typically deeply grooved ridges of the nails. Sometimes they give the nail a darkened appearance. More often than not, these distinctive ridges are caused from previous injury to the nail bed, by malnutrition, by the use of certain medications, or by metabolic conditions like diabetes. Even serious conditions like melanoma can be to blame, however. Protein synthesis is interrupted and this leads to a ridge. When the nail growth is temporarily stopped, a ridge develops and this is known as a Beau’s line.
 

 

Muehrcke’s Lines

These lines and ridges occur in pairs and run in a transverse fashion. These lines are often found in patients who have kidney problems, low albumin levels, malnutrition, and liver disease. People undergoing chemotherapy often have this type of horizontal nail ridges. Muehrcke’s lines develop because of pigment interruption. The growth of the nail is normal and these types of ridges do not move with the growth of the nail.

Mee’s Lines

These horizontal ridges are actually white bands that run across the nail. They are seen in patients with arsenic or thallium poisoning, a rare systemic accident. As the nail grows, the lines displace upwards. The band width varies from person to person. Mee’s lines indicate poor health and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Terry’s Lines

These are narrow, white horizontal ridges that occur near the end or tip of your fingernail. Terry’s lines are seen in people who are suffering with liver cirrhosis, HIV/AIDS, renal failure, and diabetes. If you have these ripples near the fingertips, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Horizontal Half-Moons

If you have ever noticed the half-moon at the base of the nail bed, then you are aware of the ‘lunula’. Most people can see the lunula on their thumb and index fingers, but few can see it on their third, fourth, and fifth fingers. If the lunula is really red in color, it could indicate liver disease, lung disease, or hear failure. If the half-moon is blue in color, it could indicate Wilson’s disease or silver poisoning. A normal variant is for the half-moon to be visible on all five fingers and this does not indicate disease.

In summary, if you have recently suffered an injury to your nails, fingers, or whole hand and are now noticing changes in your fingernails that may include ridges as well as discoloration, it is likely that the cause can be found within your injury. If ridges appear on their own and you don't remember hurting your finger or hand, then it is best to see your doctor — in some cases, you will be glad you sought medical attention quickly.