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
Iron Deficiency & Fingernail Ridges
The body needs an ample supply of iron to keep its red blood cells healthy. Red blood cells gather oxygen in the lungs and carry it throughout the body. An iron deficiency reduces the number of red blood cells available to deliver oxygen.
Iron deficiency may cause brittle nails and ridges as a result of a low number of healthy red blood cells. Fingernail ridges may clear up once iron levels return to normal.
Advertisement
