Lines on Nails: What Do They Indicate?

It is not uncommon to see the appearance of lines on your nails. Now, the lines on nails may be horizontal or vertical. But the appearance of these lines indicates certain health issues. Sometimes, these may happen due to chronic and critical diseases like diabetes, heart disease, kidney issues, or a weak immune system. So, understanding the causes and their proper treatment is necessary. Let’s learn about different types of nail lines, their causes, and treatments. 

Vertical Lines on Nails

These are also known as vertical ridges on nails. Generally, they are part of the natural ageing process. However, in some cases, these occur due to nutritional deficiencies.

The vertical lines on nails are also associated with certain medical conditions. These are:

1. Trachyonychia

The term ‘Trachyonychia’ means the rough nails. It’s a type of nail disorder that forms vertical lines on nails. It’s associated with skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, etc. These affect normal nail growth 

2. Peripheral Vascular Disease

It’s a type of blood circulation disorder. It attacks any blood vessels outside the heart. It happens when the blood vessels become narrower or get blocked. 

Reduced blood flow to the fingertips leads to nail changes, including the presence of vertical lines.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. It also causes nail abnormalities, including vertical ridges or lines on nails. Inflammation in the nail matrix disrupts nail growth and leads to these changes.

4. Anaemia

Anaemia is a common disease caused by a deficiency of red blood corpuscle or haemoglobin. However, prolonged anaemia causes abnormalities on nails, such as lines and vertical ridges, and disrupts normal nail growth. 

5. Onychomycosis

It’s a fungal nail infection which is caused by dermatophytes. But not only dermatophytes; it is also associated with saprophytic moulds and yeasts. This disease is also known as tinea unguium. In this case, the nail becomes discoloured and brittle. Sometimes, the nail gets separated from the nail bed. 

Horizontal Lines on Nails

Horizontal lines on nails appear when the growth of nails becomes disrupted. They appear across the breadth of the nails. Some common types of horizontal ridges or lines on nails are –

1. Beau’s Lines

These are the horizontal ridges which are developed across the nails. Generally, the lines are straight. A person may get single or multiple Beau’s lines across his nail or nails. It happens when the natural growth of nails gets disrupted in the nail matrix. The underlying causes of this disease are injury, severe illness and environmental factors. 

2. Injury or Trauma

Nail trauma or subungual hematoma appears due to frequent picking or biting on the nails. As a result, the nails get horizontal marks in the middle portion. The affected area of the nail becomes dark red or black. It causes extreme pain and throb. In some critical cases, the nails become split. 

3. Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders cause horizontal lines on nails due to malabsorption or nutrient deficiencies resulting from digestive issues. Nutrient deficiencies can be of proteins, vitamins, or minerals.

4. Systemic Diseases

Certain systemic diseases or conditions cause horizontal lines on nails. For instance:

• Mees’ Lines – Mees’ lines are horizontal bands across the nails that are associated with arsenic or lead poisoning, heart disease, kidney failure, or chemotherapy.
• Muehrcke’s Lines – These are white horizontal lines linked to low levels of protein in the blood. These appear in individuals suffering from liver disease or malnutrition.

Horizontal ridges can appear in people who have taken chemotherapy or have had syphilis.

Lines on Nails Due to Deficiencies

The appearance of lines on nails is also associated with nutritional deficiencies. Here are a few nutritional deficiencies that contribute to the development of lines on nails:

• Protein Deficiency – This makes the nails weak and brittle. Protein deficiency can manifest as horizontal or vertical lines on the nails.
• Vitamin Deficiencies – Vitamin B7 deficiency and Vitamin C deficiency affect nail health. The nails become brittle with vertical lines on nails. Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to the appearance of brown or dark lines on nails.
• Iron Deficiency – Anaemia contributes to concave or spoon-shaped nails with vertical lines on nails.
• Zinc Deficiency – Zinc deficiency affects nail growth, leading to brittle nails with vertical lines. 

Diagnosing the Cause of Lines on Nails

For diagnosing the lines on nails causes, a healthcare professional, typically a dermatologist undertakes a comprehensive evaluation. The process includes the following:

• Medical History – The doctor will inquire about any symptoms, duration of the ridges, and underlying medical conditions.
• Physical Examination – An in-depth physical examination is prescribed to analyse the nail patterns and characteristics. It helps to determine the underlying causes of the symptoms. 
• Laboratory Tests – Doctors may ask for blood or urine sample tests to check for underlying diseases, such as systemic diseases or nutritional deficiencies. 
• Nail Analysis – Moreover, analysing fingernail clippings helps to detect abnormalities or injuries in the nails. 

Alleviating the Problem of Lines on Nails

Based upon the diagnosis made by the dermatologist, a customised treatment plan for correcting lines on nail symptoms will be formulated. The possible approaches include:

• Addressing Underlying Health Issues: Most of the time, lines on nails indicate underlying health problems. A common problem is vitamin or mineral deficiency. For example, zinc deficiency causes white spots on nails and Beau’s lines. To solve these issues, the doctor prescribes medications, supplements, and dietary changes. 
• Nail Care: Maintaining rich nail hygiene gives a good result on the ridge of nails. A well-trimmed, clean nail upgrades the appearance of the nails. Also, always apply a moisturiser on the nails and apply skin cream on the hands. It reduces the issues of dry skin. Side by side, protect the nails from using harsh chemicals and soaps. 
• Nutritional Support: Maintaining a healthy diet is essential if the line of nails appears because of nutritional deficiencies. In this case, the doctor will recommend a specific diet to recover from the nutritional deficiencies. 
• Treatments: Use biotin supplements to promote nail growth. Moreover, doctors prescribe antifungal treatment when onychomycosis (a fungal infection) takes place on nails.  
• Medications or Procedures: Sometimes, nail ridges happen due to critical issues. So, in case of any critical underlying causes like autoimmune disorders, thyroid disorders, or rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor recommends specific medications. 
• Wearing gloves: Hand gloves protect nails from harsh chemicals. Thus, wearing a glove during household cleaning is a good practice.
• Avoid manicures: Using artificial nails, manicures, or nail painting damages the nails. As a result, nails break and dry out easily. Thus, avoiding these unhealthy practices is essential.

Are Lines on Nails Preventable?

Lines of nails are the natural part of the ageing process. Though it can’t be cured properly, maintaining certain practices offers good results. The practices are as follows –

• Maintaining a Balanced Diet – The best remedy to protect your nails is simply maintaining a balanced diet. A nutrient-rich, balanced diet includes everything from proteins, fibres, vitamins, and minerals. So, one must eat vegetables, fruits, fish, milk, nuts, and whole grains. 
• Protect Your Nails – Prevent your nails from excessive chemicals, liquids, moisture, or trauma. So, wear gloves to protect the nails of your hands. Also, wear soft cotton socks to prevent the nails of your feet.
• Proper Nail Care – Clean and trim your nails on a regular basis. Cut your fingernails in a curved shape and toenails in a straight shape. 
• Moisturise the Nails and Cuticles – Keep your nails and cuticles always hydrated. So, apply moisturiser or cuticle oils over them. It protects your nails from brittleness. 
• Avoid Biting Your Nails: Habits of nail-biting or picking up cuticles damage the nail beds. If there is any minor cut in your nail bed, it will create bacteria or fungal infection.

When to See a Doctor?

It’s mandatory to ask for medical advice in case of complex situations for the lines of nails. So, contact a dermatologist in case you witness any of the following conditions –

Severe Changes in Nail Colour – When you notice sudden changes in nail colour, such as a dark patch or discolouration under your nails, consult a dermatologist.

Changes in Shape – If your nails become curly, you must appoint a doctor.

Pain or Discomfort – You may feel pain or discomfort within your nails or the surrounding areas.

Infection or Inflammation – Frequent infections or inflammations indicate severe issues with your nails. If you experience swelling, redness, or discharge, immediately contact your doctor for treatment. 

Nail Trauma – If your nails get separated from the surrounding skin or torn out, go to a doctor for a proper assessment. These are called ail traumas, and they need to be cured early. 

Other Abnormalities – You should ask for medical help in case of bleeding around nails, sudden thickening or thinning of nails, or other abnormalities. Also, if you notice your nails don’t grow out or have chronic ridges, then go to a doctor. 

Conclusion

Lines on nails appear due to several health issues. But it’s quite common among the elderly. They also indicate nutritional deficiencies and certain health conditions. On the other hand, horizontal Lines on nails indicate more concerning medical conditions that may require medical attention. 

Proper diagnosis and treatment are important to address the underlying lines on nails causes. While general nail care and good eating habits can prevent nail abnormalities, consult a doctor in case the symptoms are persistent and worrisome.