Why do my nails have dents and ridges?

Ridges in the fingernails are often normal signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, they may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, may indicate a serious condition.

What does a dip in your nail mean?

Pitted nails Small dips or holes in your nails can be a result of banging up your hands – or they could be a sign that you need to look more closely at your health. Nail pitting can signal: Psoriasis. Connective tissue disorder. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss.

Why do I have dents in my nails?

Nail pitting is when you have tiny dents in your fingernails or toenails. It can be a sign of psoriasis, eczema, or joint inflammation. You might also get them if they run in your family.

What vitamin deficiency causes dents in fingernails?

If your body is low in protein, calcium, zinc, or vitamin A, a deficiency can sometimes be revealed by ridges in your fingernails.

Can vitamin D deficiency affect nails?

Most vitamin deficiencies are due to either inadequate dietary intake or malabsorption. Vitamin D, which can be obtained through sun exposure, is one of the few exceptions. Lack of these nutrients may affect the nail, the nail bed, or both and may present on physical exam or with biopsy.

Why do I have dents in my fingernails?

Carol Thelen, CRNP, tells FirstforWomen.com that these dents on nails could signal a zinc deficiency. Additionally, Beau’s lines are associated with “ uncontrolled diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, as well as illnesses associated with a high fever, such as scarlet fever, measles, mumps and pneumonia,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

What do the grooves on your nails mean?

Horizontal grooves in nails are those that rise from the base of the nail to the top as it grows. These stretch marks are called Beau lines. There are other horizontal streaks that occur in the form of a dent and usually appear when a new nail is born,…

What causes vertical ridges and dents in nails?

Anemia can cause vertical ridges to appear and may also make dents appear in the nail. A splinter hemorrhage is a tiny blood clot that can create a vertical discoloration beneath the nail. If the person does not know what caused the bleeding from the hemorrhage, they should consider a trip to the dermatologist.

Why do my fingernails have so many pits?

Fingernails are more commonly affected than toenails, although it is unclear why. There can be one single pit or many pits. A nail with multiple pits can look like the surface of a thimble. The nail is part of the skin and grows from the nail root, which is found just under the cuticle.