Ridged fingernails may signal hidden health conditions

A fresh manicure may smooth over ridges and bumps, but no amount of glossy polish can conceal a health issue that could be developing inside your body.

Your nails often reflect your overall wellbeing, and visible changes can sometimes point to underlying problems involving the liver, lungs, or heart.

In many cases, nail condition acts as a window into what is happening internally. When noticeable changes appear, they may signal certain medical conditions or simply be part of the natural aging process.

Lines or ridges on nails are not always a cause for concern. However, according to the National Library of Medicine, nail ridges can sometimes offer clues to more serious systemic conditions, suggesting there may be deeper health issues at play.

Below, we break down the different types of nail stripes, what they could indicate, and when it might be wise to seek medical advice.

Types of nail stripes

Vertical stripes
Vertical lines, also called longitudinal ridges, are very common and usually run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. These ridges often become more noticeable with age and are typically harmless.

In some instances, vertical ridges may be linked to nutritional deficiencies, including low levels of vitamin B12, magnesium, or iron.

While these ridges are usually associated with aging, a sudden appearance or a noticeable increase in depth could be worth investigating. Conditions such as anemia or thyroid disorders may sometimes be involved.

Horizontal stripes
Horizontal lines or grooves across the nail can point to more specific health concerns.

Known as Beau’s lines, these indentations may form after physical injury to the nail or as a result of serious illness or medical conditions. These can include malnutrition, poorly managed diabetes, heart attacks, or respiratory illnesses.

These grooves often appear when nail growth is temporarily interrupted during periods of severe stress or illness, as the body redirects energy away from nail production.

The National Library of Medicine notes that when these grooves appear suddenly, they may indicate an abrupt illness. If they are visible on all fingernails and toenails, they are often linked to systemic diseases such as mumps, pneumonia, coronary thrombosis, Kawasaki disease, syphilis, or hypoparathyroidism.

White stripes
White horizontal lines that run parallel across the nail without forming grooves may suggest issues with the liver or kidneys. These markings, known as Muehrcke’s lines, often fade when pressure is applied to the nail and usually appear on multiple nails at the same time.

Low levels of blood proteins, especially albumin, can also cause these white lines. This is commonly seen in individuals dealing with malnutrition or chronic liver disease.

If Muehrcke’s lines appear on several nails, it is important to consult a healthcare provider, as they may signal protein deficiencies or kidney and liver problems.

Diet and nail health

For most people, nail ridges are completely normal and can often be improved with gentle buffing or simple lifestyle changes.

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as biotin, vitamin E, iron, and zinc can gradually improve the appearance and strength of nails.

Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor based in Los Angeles, told Healthline that nail health is frequently linked to nutrition and digestion.

She explained that brittle, weak, or peeling nails are among the most common concerns she sees, and these issues are far more often related to poor diet than to serious systemic illness.

Your nails can provide valuable clues about your health, ranging from harmless signs of aging to possible indicators of deeper medical conditions. While most causes are easy to address, they serve as useful reminders to pay attention to your overall wellbeing and listen to what your body may be telling you.