Generally, nail ridges are harmless, but they can indicate an underlying health condition, which can be serious, so it is always important when you notice fingernail ridges (or toenail) to get the cause diagnosed by a health professional to ensure that any medical condition that is causing the issue is addressed and dealt with.

Brittle nails that split easily may indicate an fatty acid, protein, Vitamin A deficiency, Iron or Calcium deficiency.
MayoClinic.com reports that although the exact cause of nail ridges isn’t know, heredity likely plays a role 1. Nails with white flecks or lines may result due to a Zinc or Vitamin B6 deficiency. Doctors are divided on what causes nail ridges in toddlers. You will notice these vertical ridges when your an adult. What Causes Vertical Nail Ridges? Example of such diseases is psoriasis. High fever, Beau’s line or defficiency of zinc and other minerals are other cause for vertical ridges. In contrast with horizontal ridges, the vertical ridges are not caused by trauma to the nail or internal body disorders. They are most commonly known as longitudinal striations or bands. Vertical ridges caused by aging. Children may suffer from nail disorders, too. Many people notice an increase in vertical ridges of the fingernails as they age, and this can be a normal development. Lack of moisture causes drying of the nails, cuticle and the hands and result in the ridges. They are harmless ridges and they usually become defined and prominent as you age. Vertical nail ridges origin from the anatomy of the nail apparatus (contrary to 'horizontal ridges' - which have a strong connection with physical trauma & disease). Horizontal nail ridges cross your nail from side to side, while vertical ridges extend from the base of the nail to the tip. However, nail ridges can also develop more rapidly and may arise from a variety of causes, including localized infection or systemic illness, disease, or poisoning. B Vitamin deficiency may cause nails to become fragile with horizontal or vertical ridges; Nail signs and what they mean. Diseases and Conditions; Underlying medical conditions can cause nail problems such as white spots on nails, ridges, cracking and brittle nails.

Do you know what causes vertical ridges in toenails? Nail ridges are raised lines in the nails of the fingers or toes that may run vertically along the nail or horizontally across the nail. What causes ridges in nails could be a particular skin condition or dry skin. Some of its symptoms include brittle nails, nail discoloration or thickening of nails, and infected or inflamed cuticles. Other that nail ridges, lack of moisture also causes cracked brittle nails, discolored nail beds and split cuticle. Vertical ridges is a common nail abnormality that you may experience as you age or as a result of other genetic features. The nails themselves may also: become thicker or thinner; lose their smooth shape ; begin to split; fissure; break easily; The nails may also start forming any number of vertical ridges as they grow. Vertical ridges become more noticeable and increase in number as you age. Vertical ridges which run the length of the nail are actually quite common, especially among older people, although they can be a cause for concern, especially when paired with color changes in the nail. Just as the skin may show signs of aging, the fingernails and nail beds may also start to change with age. Aging has been described as the predominant cause of vertical ridges on the fingernails. Vertical nail ridges origin from the anatomy of the nail apparatus (contrary to 'horizontal ridges' - which have a strong connection with physical trauma & … It can happen if you have a low supply of protein, calcium, zinc, and Vitamin A. Vertical Ridges. Associated effects can include brittle and fragile nails which may develop vertical ridges or lines. Alternatively, it could also be the deficiency of nutrients. Everybody, including toddlers, can develop nail ridges, usually a consequence of lack of nutrients.