Nail ridges: Cause for concern?

Date Updated: 04/17/2020

Answer Section

It depends on the direction of the nail ridges.

Vertical nail ridges, which are fairly common, extend from the cuticle to the tip of your nail. They often become more numerous or prominent with age, possibly due to variations in cell turnover within your nail.

If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges across your nails, talk to your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition.