3. Thyroid Disorders
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can affect nail growth
May cause:
Brittle, splitting nails
Slow growth
Dry cuticles
✅ But ridges alone are not diagnostic.
Continued on next page//
4. Chronic Illness or Reduced Blood Flow
Long-term conditions like diabetes or poor circulation
Can slow nail growth and affect texture
✅ Always look at the whole picture not just the ridges.
🔴 When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you notice:
Deep grooves or sudden changes in nail texture
Discoloration (yellow, brown, black)
Pain, swelling, or separation from the nail bed
Pitting, thickening, or crumbling nails
Ridges only on one nail (could be trauma or growth issue)
🩺 A dermatologist can examine your nails and rule out psoriasis, fungal infection, or other conditions.
✅ How to Care for Ridges & Keep Nails Healthy
Moisturize nails and cuticles
Use hand cream or oils (jojoba, almond) daily
Use a soft nail buffer
Gently smooth ridges — don’t over-buff
Wear gloves
When cleaning, gardening, or doing dishes
Stay hydrated
Supports nail and skin health
Eat a balanced diet
Rich in protein, biotin, iron, and vitamins
🛑 Avoid harsh nail treatments or acrylics that dry out nails.
❌ Debunking the Myths
❌ “Vertical lines mean liver disease”
No — no scientific link
❌ “They show vitamin deficiency”
Not reliably — blood tests are needed
❌ “They’re a sign of cancer”
No — unless other serious symptoms are present
❌ “You can ‘cure’ ridges with supplements”
If you’re not deficient, supplements won’t help
Continued on next page//
Final Thoughts
Those vertical lines on your nails?
They’re probably just a normal part of getting older — not a red flag.
Your body changes.
Your skin wrinkles.
Your nails develop ridges.
And that’s okay.
But if you’re ever unsure or notice other changes don’t guess.
Ask a doctor.
Because true health isn’t about perfection.
It’s about understanding your body, listening to its signals, and knowing when to seek care.
And sometimes, the best answer is:
“This is just you aging, living, and still strong.”
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