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What does it mean when your fingernails are striped?

What does it mean when your fingernails are striped?

The bottom line Ridges in the fingernails are often normal signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, they may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, may indicate a serious condition.

What causes red vertical lines in fingernails?

Splinter hemorrhages look like thin, red to reddish-brown lines of blood under the nails. They run in the direction of nail growth. They are named splinter hemorrhages because they look like a splinter under the fingernail. The hemorrhages may be caused by tiny clots that damage the small capillaries under the nails.

What are Mees lines?

Mees’ lines (also known as Aldrich or Reynolds’ lines) are transverse white bands on the nail plate laid down during periods of stress. Common associations are poisioning (arsenic, thallium, fluorosis), severe infection, renal disease, cardiac failure, and malignant disease.

What does iron deficiency nails look like?

Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail. The nail has raised ridges and is thin and curved inward. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Leukonychia is white streaks or spots on the nails often due to drugs or disease.

Is it normal to have dark stripes on your fingernails?

Dark stripes running down the nails This is common among black people and in most cases it’s normal. However sometimes it may indicate a skin cancer that affects the nail bed, called subungual melanoma. Generally, this type of cancer only affects one nail.

What does a red line on your nail mean?

A: A red line does not necessarily signal a worrisome medical condition. It may simply mean that the underlying blood vessels are more visible through a thinner nail plate — which happens to most of us as we grow older.

Why do my toenails have red and white stripes?

When toenails have red and white stripes, there are usually problems elsewhere on your body. These lines and V-shaped nicks are a hallmark of Darier disease. It’s an inherited disease, mostly affecting the skin and causing greasy, warty, foul-smelling blemishes. The term for brown and sometimes black color on your toenail is melanonychia.

Are there any health warnings for your fingernails?

11 Health Warnings Your Fingernails May Be Sending. 1 1. Brittle or crumbly nails. Brittle or crumbly nail can be a result of aging or a long exposure to detergents or nail polish, but sometimes it can 2 2. Discolored nails. 3 3. Thickened nails. 4 4. Loose nails. 5 5. Spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia)