Overview
Ridges in nails are raised lines or grooves that run across or along the nail surface. They are a common nail change and may appear as vertical ridges (from cuticle to tip) or horizontal ridges (side to side, also called Beau’s lines).
In many cases, vertical ridges are a normal sign of aging, while horizontal ridges may indicate an underlying health issue, nutritional deficiency, or previous illness.
In Korea, dermatologists and internal medicine specialists often evaluate nail changes since they can provide clues to systemic diseases, nutritional status, or local nail conditions.
➤ Vertical ridges are usually harmless and age-related
➤ Horizontal ridges may indicate illness, stress, or nutritional deficiency
➤ Sometimes linked to skin conditions, infections, or systemic disease
Key Facts
➤ Vertical ridges are very common with aging
➤ Horizontal ridges may signal serious medical conditions
➤ Nail ridges can be linked to trauma, eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infection
➤ Medical evaluation is important if ridges appear suddenly with other symptoms
What Are Ridges in Nails?
Ridges are raised lines or grooves on the nail plate. They may be:
- Longitudinal (vertical) ridges – running from the cuticle to the nail tip
- Transverse (horizontal) ridges / Beau’s lines – running across the nail
The presence, shape, and severity of ridges can indicate normal aging or underlying disease.
What Symptoms Are Related To
Ridges in nails may occur with:
➤ Brittle nails
➤ Discoloration (yellow, white, or brown nails)
➤ Nail thickening or splitting
➤ Pain, swelling, or redness (if due to infection)
➤ Skin symptoms (eczema, psoriasis, or lichen planus)
➤ Systemic symptoms like fatigue or weight loss (if due to illness)
What Causes / Possible Causes
Common Causes:
➤ Aging – vertical ridges are natural with age
➤ Dehydration of the nail – lack of moisture or oils
➤ Minor trauma – repetitive pressure or injury to nails
Medical & Systemic Causes:
➤ Nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, biotin, protein)
➤ Systemic diseases – diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease
➤ Severe illness or stress – can cause Beau’s lines
➤ Skin conditions – eczema, psoriasis, alopecia areata, lichen planus
➤ Infections – fungal nail infection (onychomycosis)
➤ Chemotherapy or medications
Serious Considerations:
➤ Deep horizontal ridges may reflect serious illness or systemic stress
➤ Pitting or discoloration with ridges may suggest psoriasis or autoimmune disease
When Should I See My Doctor
You should seek medical attention if:
➤ Ridges appear suddenly and are accompanied by changes in nail color or shape
➤ Horizontal ridges develop (possible systemic illness)
➤ Nails become painful, brittle, or separate from the nail bed
➤ Ridges are associated with skin rashes, hair loss, or systemic symptoms
➤ You have a history of chronic disease (thyroid, diabetes, kidney disease) and new nail changes appear
Care and Treatment
Self-Care & Lifestyle
➤ Keep nails moisturized with oils or creams
➤ Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
➤ Protect nails from trauma (gloves when cleaning, avoid nail biting)
➤ Limit harsh manicures or chemical exposure
Medical Treatments (based on cause)
➤ Nutritional supplements (iron, zinc, biotin if deficient)
➤ Topical treatments (antifungals for infections, medicated creams for psoriasis/eczema)
➤ Systemic disease management (thyroid, diabetes, autoimmune diseases)
➤ Dermatology referral for biopsy or nail matrix evaluation if diagnosis unclear
Treatment Options in Korea
Korean dermatology clinics and hospitals provide specialized care for nail conditions.
➤ Diagnostic Services
➤ Nail examination with dermoscopy
➤ Blood tests for anemia, thyroid, or nutritional deficiencies
➤ Nail biopsy (if autoimmune or cancer suspected)
➤ Fungal culture or PCR for onychomycosis
➤ Treatment Approaches
➤ Oral & topical antifungals for fungal nail infections
➤ Phototherapy & immunosuppressants for psoriasis-related ridges
➤ Customized nutritional therapy for deficiencies
➤ Minimally invasive nail surgery for severe deformities
➤ Top Hospitals & Clinics in Korea
➤ Asan Medical Center – Dermatology & internal medicine collaboration
➤ Samsung Medical Center – Specialized nail disorder clinic
➤ Seoul National University Hospital – Autoimmune & systemic disease evaluation
➤ Private dermatology clinics in Gangnam & Seoul – Cosmetic & medical nail care
Final Thoughts
Ridges in nails are often a harmless sign of aging, especially vertical ridges. However, sudden or horizontal ridges may point to systemic disease, nutritional problems, or underlying skin conditions.
In Korea, advanced dermatology and internal medicine facilities provide comprehensive testing and treatment to identify the root cause and restore nail health.
