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What Are Longitudinal Ridges?

Your fingernails can reveal a great deal about your health. These important protectors of the end of your fingertips can develop what is commonly referred to as longitudinal ridges. There is some debate as to what these mean in regards to a person's health.

  1. What Are Longitudinal Lines?

    • Longitudinal ridges are vertical ridges in the nail that extend from the cuticle to the top of the nail. Often these ridges will have discoloration, appearing slightly yellow. With the appearance of ridges can also appear increased fragility of the nail, with its becoming more prone to breaking or cracking.

    May Appear With Age

    • Longitudinal ridges are not a sign of concern, according to the Mayo Clinic website. They are considered to be relatively normal and seen throughout the general population. There is a slightly more frequent appearance of ridges in elderly individuals.

    Debate

    • Experts have differing opinions about about the appearance of these fingernail ridges. "The American Family Physician," a peer-reviewed journal representing the American Academy of Family Physicians, published an article in March, 2004, marking these ridges as clues to mild to serious illnesses. Dark-colored longitudinal lines could represent the onset of melanoma, benign nevus or something as mild as slight chemical staining. Other longitudinal ridges on fingernails could be a sign of alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. These are not proven theories. However, it is something to consider when visiting your own physician.

    Differences in Ridges

    • It is important to understand the difference between longitudinal ridges in the nails and other abnormalities of the nails. As stated, longitudinal ridges extend from the cuticle to the top of the nail. If you see horizontal striping on the nails, then you may have cause for concern. White lines and horizontal ridges could indicate signs of arsenic poisoning. Beau's lines are dip ridges across the nail that could represent several ailments: excessive drug use, chemotherapy side effects, pneumonia, myocarditis, diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. It is important to note that having these ridges does not mean you are ill; however, it is wise to go to your doctor for his or her official recommendation.

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