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Doctor Explains What Ridges on Your Fingernails Mean: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your fingernails can be more than just a cosmetic concern—they’re a window into your health. While smooth, strong nails are often seen as a sign of good grooming, the presence of ridges, whether vertical or horizontal, can sometimes signal underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll break down what nail ridges are, what they mean, and how a medical professional might assess and interpret them—step-by-step.

What Are Nail Ridges?

Nail ridges are raised lines that run across the nail plate. There are two main types:

• Vertical ridges (longitudinal ridges): These run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail.
• Horizontal ridges (transverse ridges): These run side to side, across the nail plate.

While vertical ridges are more common and often harmless, horizontal ridges can be a red flag for more serious conditions.

Step-by-Step: How a Doctor Assesses Nail Ridges

Step 1: Visual Examination

The first thing a doctor does is visually inspect the nails under good lighting. They’ll look for:

• Number and orientation of ridges
• Texture (smooth, pitted, splitting)
• Color changes (yellowing, whitening, or dark streaks)
• Any other abnormalities (thickening, detachment)

This helps the physician determine whether the ridges are isolated or part of a systemic pattern.

Step 2: Medical History Review

Next, the doctor will ask about:

• Recent illnesses (especially fevers or infections)
• Nutritional habits
• History of trauma to the fingers
• Use of medications or chemicals
• Family history of nail or skin disorders

This step is crucial in distinguishing between physiological (normal aging or minor issues) and pathological (disease-related) causes.

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