Understanding Why You Have Lines on Your Nails

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Understanding Why You Have Lines on Your Nails: Causes, Types & When to See a Doctor

Your nails can say a lot about your overall health. While most people focus on manicures and nail polish, changes in the nail’s surface—especially the appearance of lines—can be your body’s way of signaling something deeper. If you’ve ever looked down and wondered, “Why do I have lines on my nails?”—you’re not alone.

Let’s explore the different types of nail lines, what they may indicate, and when it’s time to seek medical advice.

Types of Lines on Nails

There are several types of lines that can appear on fingernails or toenails. Some are harmless, while others may indicate an underlying issue.

1. Vertical Lines (Longitudinal Ridges)

These are fine lines that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail.

Common causes:

Aging: Vertical ridges are often a normal sign of aging, much like wrinkles on your skin.
Nutrient deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins (especially B12, magnesium, or iron) can cause changes in nail texture.
Dehydration of the nail plate

🟢 Usually harmless but worth monitoring if they become more pronounced.

2. Horizontal Lines (Beau’s Lines)

These run side to side across the nail and may feel like indentations.

Common causes:

Serious illness or trauma: High fever, severe infections (like COVID-19), or systemic illness can cause growth disruption in the nail matrix.
Uncontrolled diabetes
Zinc deficiency
Chemotherapy treatments

🔴 May signal an underlying condition—consult a healthcare provider.

3. White Lines (Muehrcke’s Lines)

White, parallel lines that don’t move as the nail grows.

Common causes:

Low protein levels in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
Liver or kidney disease

🔴 May require medical testing to rule out internal organ issues.

4. Dark Lines (Melanonychia Striata)

Dark vertical bands, especially in people with darker skin tones.

Common causes:

Normal pigmentation (especially in individuals with more melanin)
Melanoma (a rare but serious skin cancer of the nail matrix)

🔴 Should always be evaluated by a dermatologist, especially if: