Yournails reveal a lot about your health.

Characteristics like color, strength, and marks can indicate what’s going on internally.

Conversely, when you take good care of your body, your skin and nails will be healthier."

woman examining her nails

One important indicator is lines along your fingertips.

Ridges appearing on your nails can mean a variety of things.

What they signify often relies on their direction and depth.

nails with vertical lines

If you have any worrisome nail issues, it is normal and recommended to see a specialist.

So, you’ll be making a doctor very happy.

However, while some nail lines are a cause for concern, others are completely normal.

person applying cuticle oil

Here’s what you oughta know about ridges on your nails.

Depending on which direction these dents form, the different stories they tell.

Vertical ridges that extend from your cuticle to the nail’s free edge are common.

Often these vertical lines occur with aging.

Think of it like wrinkles for your nail beds.

Apart from aging, these dents can point to dry skin or eczema.

Diabetes, high fever, eczema, and heart attacks are some conditions that can cause Beau’s lines.

Your dermatologist or primary physician can prescribe these nail treatments.

Settling for an OTC nail strengthener can do more harm than good.

You might be tempted to file away your nail ridges, but this can be damaging.

Dr. Obayan recommends buffing no more than twice a month and applying a nail hardened afterward.