Ridges in nails can develop due to a current or past illness or injury.
Ahealthy nailis typically smooth or has barely perceptible vertical lines running from the cuticle to the tip.
When a nail grows, it emerges from the germinal matrix situated beneath the skin just under the cuticle.
Dmytro Skrypnykov / Getty Images
The germinal matrix functions similarly to a pasta extruder, continually generating an evenly organized plate of alpha-keratin.
Similarly, if there are any changes or irregularities in the rate of extrusion, horizontal ridges can develop.
They often become more noticeable with aging.
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It may appear as a single or multiple vertical ridges that may be shallow to deep.
The nail plates may be thickened or thinned, and cuticles are often ragged and thickened.
Nails may also bebrittle.
Carlos Andres / Getty Images
The cause of trachyonychia isn’t known butinflammationis believed to play a role in its development.
Certain skin conditions, like eczema common in children, are closely linked to trachyonychia.
With age, the symptoms tend to clear.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Median Canaliform Nail Dystrophy
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Median canaliform nail dystrophyis a central, vertical ridge that is feathered with a fir-tree pattern.
These ridges, calledBeau’s lines, involve one or more horizontal band-like depressions affecting one or multiple nails.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Beau’s lines happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing.
Medical Treatments
The medical treatment of ridged nails is mainly focused on treating the underlying cause.
These include:
Never overbuff or file the nail plate itself.
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Vertical nail ridges are typically harmless.
To get rid of nail ridges, you first need to identify the underlying cause.
Often, ridges will clear up on their own without treatment.
In other cases, you may need to see a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
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National Health Service.Nail problems.
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