Grooves In Fingernails

Fingernails can say many things about someone’s health . The first sign of an undiagnosed medical problem is the change in the appearance of fingernails. Medical problems such as: thyroid disease, iron deficiency anaemia, respiratory disorder and circulatory problem . Such signs as changes in the contours of the nail base, discolorations and grooves in fingernails .



Ridges in fingernails are normal but note that there are vertical ridges and horizontal . Vertical nail ridges are not signs of serious illness and are seen rather commonly are  becoming more prominent when you get older. The presence of a medical condition or  an underlying illness may be indicated by horizontal nail ridges. Beau’s lines  may indicate underlying illness and are one special type of horizontal nail ridge .



The grooves in fingernails are given by Beau’s line and these lines can be darker than the usual color of the nail . There are a variety of causes for these distinctive ridges including diabetes , metabolic disorders , certain medications, malnutrition or injury to the nail bed. Beau’s lines appear when the nail stops to grow because of a metabolic problem, nutritional or underlying illness . You should see the doctor if you have such symptoms . Beau’s line also can appear when you are treated for cancer with chemotherapy or patience that are exposed to cold temperature for  Raynaud's disease . After recovering from illness they may disappear .

Muehrcke’s Lines are extending horizontally across the nail and appear like white lines . They disappear temporarily when the nail is pressed and are caused by a vascular abnormality in the nail bed . They are prevalent in patients with liver disease, kidney and low albumin levels .

Mee’s Lines are white horizontal bands . Are caused by serious systemic illnesses or arsenic poisoning . Mees' lines move higher as the nail grows as the nail bed itself is not affected .

Terry's nails are sometimes seen in patients with HIV infection, kidney disease, diabetes and liver cirrhosis . The nail aspect is a white plate .

Horizontal Half Moons lines, as the name implies, moon shaped . The Wilson disease is represented by the blue colour of the lunula. Red lunula can be caused by psoriasis, heart failure, COPD, carbon monoxide poisoning and liver cirrhosis. But if you have simple trauma to your nail, don’t worry, they will grow out with the nail .



CRISTAE MATRICIS UNGUIS is the anatomical term of these ridges. You should see a specialist when you have the following problems: White color under the nails, White lines, Pale nails, Horizontal ridges, Distorted nails, Clubbed nails or blue nails. See the doctor immediately if you have splinter hemorrhages. To prevent fingernails problems don’t tear, pick or bite the nails, periodically clip your nails. Nail polish isn’t recommended either, you should cut them short and use  cream to make them emollient. Using clear nail polish and vitamin biotin can help strengthen your nails.