While manicures can cover up imperfections, your nails might be revealing hidden health issues. Changes in nail texture or color can signal problems with your liver, lungs, heart, or nutrition.
Vertical Ridges
Common with aging, vertical stripes (running from cuticle to tip) are usually harmless but may point to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, like low B12 or iron, or thyroid problems if they appear suddenly.
Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)
These grooves often follow serious illness, stress, or trauma. When seen on all nails, they may indicate systemic conditions such as pneumonia, mumps, or heart disease.