In some cases, they can also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, such as a deficiency in certain minerals or vitamins (vitamin B12, magnesium, or iron).
Vertical lines are common in older people and are often harmless. However, if they appear suddenly or become more noticeable, it’s worth checking for conditions such as anemia or thyroid problems.
Horizontal lines
Horizontal ridges or grooves, also known as beauty lines, can indicate more specific health problems.
These horizontal indentations can occur after physical trauma to the nail or as a result of a serious illness or condition, including malnutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, heart attacks, or respiratory illnesses.
The appearance of these ridges is often due to temporary disruptions in nail growth caused by periods of severe stress or illness, as the body may temporarily slow down or stop nail growth.
If the ridges “develop suddenly,” it indicates a sudden epidemic, according to the NCBI. And if they appear on all 20 nails, “it’s usually the result of a systemic illness such as mumps, pneumonia, coronary thrombosis, Kawasaki syndrome, syphilis, and hypoparathyroidism.”
Horizontal, parallel white lines that don’t cut into the nail surface can indicate liver or kidney problems. These lines, called Muehrcke’s lines, usually disappear temporarily when the nail is pressed down and often occur on multiple nails at the same time.
A drop in blood protein levels, especially albumin, can also cause these white streaks, which are common in people with malnutrition or chronic liver disease.
If Muehrcke’s lines are visible on multiple nails, see your doctor because it could be a sign of protein deficiency or kidney/liver problems.
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