Ridges in nails are fairly common and can arise from a variety of causes. Here’s a concise overview to help you understand what might be going on and when to seek care. What ridge types typically mean

• Vertical ridges (running from cuticle to tip): Often benign and can be related to aging, natural nail growth, or minor trauma. They can also point to nutritional deficiencies or underlying health issues in some individuals.
• Horizontal lines or grooves (Beau’s lines): More likely to indicate a systemic event affecting nail growth, such as illness, severe stress, or dehydration, and can be seen with certain medical conditions or treatments.
• Generalized changes (thickening, pitting, or splitting): May be associated with dermatologic conditions like psoriasis or eczema, thyroid problems, kidney or liver disease, or infections.

Common, non-urgent causes

• Aging: Nails naturally develop ridges over time.
• Repeated minor trauma: Manual work, manicure tools, or nail biting can accentuate ridges.
• Nutritional factors: Deficiencies in iron, zinc, or protein can contribute to ridging.
• Chronic conditions with subtle nail changes: Thyroid issues, diabetes, or vascular problems can influence nail growth.

Less common but important causes

• Psoriasis or eczema affecting the nails.
• Systemic illnesses (e.g., kidney or liver disease) or significant infections.
• Long-term use of certain medications or chemotherapy.
• Rare genetic conditions or chronic inflammatory diseases.

What you can do now

• Monitor: Note if ridges are changing, if you develop new lines after illness or stress, or if you notice other symptoms (fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, changes in skin).
• Nail care: Keep nails moisturized, avoid harsh nails products, use gentle filing, and protect nails from trauma.
• Nutrition: Ensure a balanced diet with adequate iron, zinc, protein, and vitamins; consider a healthcare provider if you suspect a deficiency.
• When to seek medical advice urgently: If ridges appear suddenly or are accompanied by pain, swelling, color changes (like blue or very pale nails), signs of infection, or if you have systemic symptoms (extreme fatigue, weight loss, night sweats) or known risk factors for thyroid, kidney, or liver disease.

Next steps and questions

• Do you notice horizontal lines or only vertical ridges, and are there any accompanying symptoms (fatigue, changes in appetite, skin or hair changes, or swelling)?
• How old are your nails, any recent illnesses, infections, or new medications, or recent nail trauma from manicures or sports?
• Any known medical conditions or dietary changes recently?

If you want, I can tailor guidance based on any additional details you provide and suggest when a clinician should examine your nails.