Vertical Lines on the Nails: A Symptom with Many Possible Causes | July 23, 2025

Don’t be alarmed—nails, which often reflect our internal health, can sometimes show vertical lines. But what do they mean? This isn’t a disease in itself, but a symptom. The key is to understand the underlying cause in order to start the most appropriate treatment.

Many people have looked at their own nails—or someone else’s—and noticed vertical lines running across them. This is a very common issue and is usually nothing to worry about. Still, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to determine the cause and decide whether intervention is needed.

Vertical Lines on the Nails: Key Points

1. What they are

2. The causes

3. The symptoms

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4. Diagnosis

5. Treatments

6. Remedies

What Are Vertical Lines on Nails?

Vertical ridges or lines may appear as flat or raised streaks running from the base to the tip of the nail. These changes can be seen on one or both hands and are often symmetrical. Although usually harmless, they can sometimes signal various health issues such as:

• Aging

• Trauma or injury

• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

• Metabolic conditions

• Nutritional deficiencies

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• Infections

• Early signs of cardiovascular problems

• General nail fragility

Causes

Vertical nail ridges can be related to:

• Aging (a normal part of the aging process)

• Trauma (e.g., injury to the nail matrix)

• Infection

• Malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies

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They may also be associated with medical conditions, including:

• Anemia

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Dermatitis

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• Hypothyroidism

• Psoriasis

• Nail biting (onychophagia)

Symptoms

The most common signs include:

• Vertical or horizontal ridges, more or less pronounced

• A thin or brittle nail plate

• Notches or cracks along the nail edge

• Discoloration or loss of shine

These symptoms may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Diagnosis

To determine the cause, a dermatological examination is usually the first step. This includes visual assessment and may involve tools like videomicroscopy.

If an infection is suspected, a nail sample may be taken for microbiological testing. Based on the results, your dermatologist can identify the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Treatments

 

 

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