Ridges in Fingernails: Causes and Treatments

Ridges in fingernails can run horizontally or vertically. They are common and harmless, but some fingernail ridges—particularly horizontal ones—can indicate a health problem such as a thyroid issue.

This article will discuss the types of ridges found on fingernails, what causes them, how they can be treated, and when to see a healthcare provider.

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Nail ridges, or small raised lines, can present in several ways, including:

Nail ridging can occur with other symptoms, depending on the cause. Additional symptoms associated with some types of nail conditions include:

Vertical fingernail ridges are common and typically harmless. They often become more noticeable with aging.

Horizontal ridges (Beau's lines) result from the nail temporarily slowing or stopping the growth and are more likely to result from a medical event or condition.

Horizontal ridges/Beau's lines can be an indication of:

Injury

Infection

Medical Conditions

These factors cause a temporary disruption to nail growth. The horizontal line forms from this temporary lack of growth and then moves up the nail as the nail grows.

Vertical ridging may be a result of conditions such as:

Ridges in fingernails have been associated with some medications, particularly some types of chemotherapy (anticancer therapeutic agents).

Addressing ridges in nails starts by treating their cause.

If caused by an injury or isolated event, Beau's lines can grow out as the nail grows.

Conditions such as trachyonychia that can cause fingernail ridges often disappear without treatment. The recommended treatment is typically to wait and watch.

Some people choose to treat nail ridges for cosmetic reasons. For example, treatments available for trachyonychia include:

These treatments can have risks and side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits vs. the risks before starting treatment.

To determine the cause of fingernail ridges, a healthcare provider will:

If necessary, your healthcare provider may run tests, such as:

See a healthcare provider if you notice any changes to your nails, such as shape, texture, or color.

It's particularly important to see a healthcare provider if you have:

See a healthcare provider immediately if you have:

Nail ridges are small, raised lines on the nail that can run vertically or horizontally. Vertical nail ridges are typically harmless. Horizontal nail ridges (Beau's lines) are more likely to be associated with a medical condition.

Nail ridges can be caused by aging, injury, infection, illness, or medical condition.

Treating nail ridges involves addressing their underlying cause. Often, ridges will clear up independently without targeted nail treatment. While treatments are available to treat some conditions that cause ridges, such as trachyonychia, it is important to weigh the benefits versus risks of these treatments.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice changes to your nails.

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By Heather JonesHeather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability,and feminism.