14 Common Causes of Vertical Lines on Nails

If you notice that your fingernails start to develop vertical otherwise known as longitudinal ridges, it might be cause for concern. The ridges take the appearance of tiny lines that give the impression of raised bumps running up and down the fingernail.

There are a variety of reasons why ridging can occur on your nails. They can arise from natural issues such as aging, or they could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Onychorrhexis refers to the medical term used to describe the condition, and it’s challenging for physicians to identify the cause of the issue.

It’s essential that affected individuals do not confuse these longitudinal originals with Beau’s lines, which are traverse depressions in the fingernail. These horizontal ridges are a sign of a severe underlying medical problem that requires immediate assistance and attention from a professional.

In this article, we’ll look at the 14 common causes of vertical lines on your nails.

1.     An Unhealthy Diet

If you discover ridging on your fingernails, it could be due to several issues. Ridging occurs due to a lack of vitamins and minerals in your bloodstream. Most individuals that need a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet won’t have issues with mineral or vitamin deficiencies as they get everything they need from their diet and supplement regiment.

However, individuals that eat plenty of fast food and drink sugary soda are not doing their health any favors. These types of foods have little to no nutritional value and or just excess calories that lead to obesity and other health issues. Even though these individuals are eating plenty of food, they’re not getting the vitamins and minerals they need from their diet.

As a result of their poor dietary choices, these individuals may start to notice the onset of vertical lines appearing on their nails. If the individual cleans up their diet and starts eating a variety of healthy foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, healthy carbs, and lean proteins, the lines will begin to disappear.