Guide To Treating Fingernail Ridges

Fingernail ridges are horizontal or vertical lines that form on the nails. Patients may have ridges on just one fingernail, and ridges might be present on all of the fingernails. While fingernail ridges become more common as individuals age, some types of ridges are associated with health problems. For example, vertical ridges could indicate a patient is deficient in iron, folic acid, or protein, and these ridges might signal anemia. Horizontal ridges are considered more serious, and these may be associated with diabetes, thyroid issues, and problems with the liver or kidneys. Patients with cancer or who are undergoing chemotherapy could also develop horizontal fingernail ridges.