Fingernail deformities have many causes

November 4, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have fingernails with horizontal ripples and lines, and they are concave. Any ideas? I’ve been to several doctors who couldn’t help me.

DEAR READER: There are a number of reasons why fingernails become ridged or concave. They include injury, extensive exposure to moisture or nail polish, fungus and bacterial infection, kidney or liver disease, and various other possibilities. Depressions across the fingernail and horizontal ridging are known as Beau’s lines, which can occur following illness, malnourishment or direct injury to the nail. Horizontal ridges might also be an indication of diabetes. Those that curve inward may be associated with iron-deficiency anemia. Vertical ridges that extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail are common and can occur with advancing age.
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Ridged nails have many causes

July 7, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have horizontal ripples, bumps and concaves on my index-finger nail and thumbnail. My index finger has had the problem for years, the thumbnail for about six weeks. And other nails have been changing. I’ve gone to too many doctors to count, and there are still no visible changes or solutions. Any inkling would be appreciated.

DEAR READER: Ridged nails are often an indication of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, poor diet, the aging process or a loss of moisture. Shortages of A, B, iron, protein and calcium are commonly detected. Horizontal ridges have been linked to heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disorders and respiratory disease.
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