What Causes Ridges in Fingernails?
Article Sources
- 1. Abdullah, RN, Lina, and Ossama Abbas, MD. 'Common Nail Changes and Disorders in Older People: Diagnosis and Management.' PubMed Central (PMC), Feb. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038811/
- 2. 'Hair Loss Types: Alopecia Areata Signs and Symptoms.' American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia/symptoms
- 3. 'Slide Show: 7 Fingernail Problems Not to Ignore.' Mayo Clinic, Healthy Lifestyle, 11 Oct. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/nails/sls-20076131's=5
Skin Issues That May Cause Fingernail Ridges
Fingernails contain mostly keratin, a type of protein, which is also found in hair and the top layer of skin. Fingernail ridges in older adults may be related to the body not retaining as much moisture as it needs, similar to what causes dry skin and coarse hair.
Psoriasis is another possible cause of fingernail ridges. The inflammation associated with psoriasis may cause changes in the nails known as nail psoriasis.
Advertisement
