Lines on your nails could be a hidden health warning: What your body may be telling you?
Vertical lines run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail.
1. Normal Aging
For many people, faint vertical ridges appear naturally with age. As nail cell turnover slows, texture changes become more noticeable. These
lines are usually harmless if:
They are evenly spaced
They appear on most nails
There are no other symptoms
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
More pronounced or deep vertical lines may signal deficiencies, especially:
Iron
Vitamin B12
Magnesium
Zinc
When the body lacks essential nutrients, nail formation becomes irregular, resulting in ridges or brittle nails.
3. Dehydration
Chronic dehydration can cause nails to become dry and ridged. This is especially common in people who:
Don’t drink enough water
Consume excess caffeine or alcohol
Have chronic diarrhea or kidney issues
4. Circulation Problems
Poor blood flow can affect nail growth and appearance. In some cases, vertical lines combined with pale or bluish nails may indicate
cardiovascular issues.
Horizontal Lines on Nails: A More Serious Signal
Horizontal lines, also known as Beau’s lines, run across the nail from side to side and often indicate a temporary halt in nail growth.
Possible causes include:
Severe infections
High fever
Major surgery
Uncontrolled diabetes
Chemotherapy
Extreme physical or emotional stress
Because nails grow slowly, the position of the line can help doctors estimate when the illness occurred.
White Lines or Bands: What Do They Mean?
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