What does it mean when your fingernails get tiny vertical ridges on them?

I think I’ve heard it’s some sort of vitamin deficiency. Take a good daily multiple vitamin, maybe?

I have this problem too, and I know I am low in B12, D, and iron, probably other vitamins also that I am unaware of. I also am hypothyroid, and I have found a lot of people with thyroid trouble have nail problems. I don’t know how it is all connected, but I believe it is. For a while I was getting horizontal white marks across my nails also, but that seems to have resolved itself now that I have been taking more vitamins and minerals. They do sell vitamins specifically for nails, I think they contain Biotin. I thought they promote them for nail strength? Not sure if it works for ridges also?

The Mayo Clinic says vertical ridges are most likely hereditary. My nails do this too Horizontal ridges are caused by health issues.

< < has vertical fingernail ridges and no health issues at all.

@Facade Interesting. So even if they develop later in life they can be genetic?

“Rippled Nails:

If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown. Psoriasis is a skin condition that starts in the nails 10% of the time.”

From a slideshow on WebMD.

@JLeslie Yea, I’m debating the correctness of that. I just started having the ridges a couple years ago, so I don’t know. Also, I’m doubting their knowledge. I just read an article on their website which says that acrylic nails do not harm your real nails. That’s definitely not true.

Vertical ridges can be a result of not enough moisture. So when you put lotion on your hands at night, rub lotion into the nail as well.

Horizontal ridges are troublesome and can be caused by chemo, poisoning, and vitamin deficiencies.

Also @Facade acrylic nails do not harm your real nails IF they are done correctly. The problem is that no one likes them done the correct way.

@josie

Do you have an example picture? (does not have to be your nails) so I have a better idea.

Are the lines white?

@SarasWhimsy What would be the correct way? When I had them and then removed them, my nails were paper thin– obviously damaged.

< < drinks water all day like a fish, skin isn’t dry, and has had these vertical ridges without discoloration or other blemish since a kid.

Oh wow, I just that everybody had ridges, no joke.