Why do I have small ridges in my nails?
The appearance of small ridges in nails is quite common. They can appear when the nail plates are too thick. Typically, people with thick nails develop ridges when they wear orthotics (cheap, plastic or metal devices that replace the heel or toe in shoes to prevent a boney part from striking the ground).
The thickness of the nail plate can also be hereditary. You can gently file down any visible ridges so they blend in with the rest of your nail or use a cream to help Small ridges in the nails are a form of keratosis, a benign, harmless thickening of the skin.
The area under the nails or on the sides can sometimes develop into a small ridge. This can occur as you age or from a chemical burn or injury. Most people do not need to worry about having small ridges in their nails. They are not a sign of disease and do not need to be treated.
Why do I have ridges in my nails?
The small ridges in your nails are actually referred to as nail lines. They indicate where the nail plate has fused to the nail bed. They’re usually pretty thin and often form in a line down the length of your nail.
In most cases, the nail line is either flat or slightly raised. If you have a lot of ridges that seem to form at the same spot on each nail, you may have a condition called nail dyschromia. In most cases, small ridges in your nails are a harmless sign that your nails are growing.
However, if the ridges are thick or if they develop into a groove, that can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Examples of conditions that can cause ridged nails include fungal infection, psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the nails, and a condition called nail-patella syndrome.
Why does my nail have ridges?
Nail ridges can be caused by trauma to the nail bed. Common occurrences for this are hangnails and lifting weights. If you are pregnant or nursing, applying petroleum jelly or special moisturizing creams to your nails can help prevent this. Other treatments include filing and filing off the ridge or using a topical gel to smooth the ridges.
If you have a rash on your hands, applying a topical gel to the area may also help smooth the nails. Nail ridges are hereditary, which means if both parents have the condition, their children have a 50% chance of developing the condition as well.
There are many different types of nail ridge patterns, and some are more common than others. A ridge is a normal growth in your nail, which is the portion of the nail underneath the nail plate. A ridge can be flat or slightly raised. It varies in shape and size, depending on the area of your body where it’s located.
Why do I have thick ridges in my nails?
Sometimes it’s not the nails themselves but the skin covering them that is thickened. This condition is called onychogranulomatosis and is a type of connective tissue disease. People with onychogranulomatosis may also develop thick, dark, and brittle nails as well as raised skin lesions.
Other symptoms may include fever, weight loss, and joint pain. Thickening of the nails (onychauxis) is usually a harmless condition which is not painful. However, thickened nails can sometimes be a side effect of an underlying health condition.
A few examples of medical conditions that can cause thickened nails include thyroid disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fungal infections. If you notice thickened nails that are getting worse, contact your doctor.
Why is my nail ridged?
Small, flat or spiked nails are known as ridge nails. This type of ridge is usually caused by genetics. People with thin or weak nails, as well as those who suffer from certain autoimmune disorders, are more likely to get ridge nails. Sometimes, ridge nails can also form when nails are damaged or weakened by fungus or injury.
If you notice small, even slightly raised lines or ridges along the edge of your nails, they may be a hereditary trait. They may appear on your nails, your toes, or on both. The condition is called nail ridge keratosis. It tends to run in families. There is no treatment.
