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Information on ridges in fingernails
Ridges on the fingernails can be entirely harmless, but sometimes they do indicate deficiencies or other, slightly more serious conditions. One point to consider though, is in which direction the ridges go. Do they run across the nail (horizontally) or along the nail (vertically)?
Mild vertical ridges are rather normal, unless they are particularly pronounced, in which case they may be a symptom of some disease. Some people consider horizontal ridges to be an early indication of the development of arthritis. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, usually mean that something is wrong.
Sometimes these ridges could simply be the result of an injury or even unnoticed, mild trauma to the nails, in which case they will disappear as the nails grow, as long as the cause of the trauma does not recur. The ridges may also be due to certain medication that you are on. Again, if this is the case, once you are off the medication, the ridges should gradually disappear. Horizontal ridges can also indicate stress. Other, more serious causes include calcium or iron deficiencies, heart disease, skin disease, and diabetes. If the cause of the ridges you have noticed is not obvious, it will be better to get your doctor's opinion.
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