Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What do Fingernail Lines Indicate?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The simple answer to what fingernail lines may indicate is that they are very often insignificant. This is especially true when it comes to the vertical lines on the nails, which may start at or just above the moons or cuticles and extend upward to the nail tips. Horizontal fingernail lines may be more suspect, but even here, the lines may be nothing and could be a sign of age or behaviors. There are some worst-case scenarios, on the other hand, that may be worth considering.

Most people have vertical fingernail lines and these can be light or have grooves. Typically as people age, grooves get a little deeper, but this doesn’t indicate health issues. Yet if the lines or the nails surrounding them get yellow in color and if the nails seem thick, this might suggest a fungal infection. Should this condition persist, it might be wise to a see a doctor for guidance. Yellowing nails may also be caused by behaviors like smoking, but thickening nails or uneven growth might mean a fungal infection is present.

Most of the time, fingernail lines are normal and do not indicate underlying health issues.
Most of the time, fingernail lines are normal and do not indicate underlying health issues.

Under many circumstances, horizontal lines are a little more unusual. These lines can still simply represent different types of growth, and they’re a little more common on people’s nails as they age. Horizontal lines can be fairly ordinary on people who regularly get their nails manicured too.

This doesn’t mean horizontal or transverse fingernail lines are always benign. In fact, white ones that are in pairs may be Muehrcke lines, which have been shown to indicate many different disease or changes to health. Muehrcke lines can simply be signs of certain treatments undergone. They’re common on the nails of those who are being treated with chemotherapy, for example.

The parallel lines that run from the base to the tip of a fingernail become more prominent with age.
The parallel lines that run from the base to the tip of a fingernail become more prominent with age.

In absence of this treatment, white transverse fingernail lines in pairs might suggest extremely low albumin levels, or some forms of cancer. They can also be associated with malnourishment, certain forms of kidney disease, and some illnesses that could affect the liver. As described, the lines are usually present on the toes too, and don’t occur very often on the thumbs. A single fingernail with horizontal lines is not likely to be an example of Muehrcke lines.

Horizontal lines can be fairly ordinary on people who regularly get their nails manicured.
Horizontal lines can be fairly ordinary on people who regularly get their nails manicured.

One other condition that is associated with horizontal fingernail lines is arsenic poisoning. Fingernails may be lined and ridged in transverse fashion, and the lines are usually described as white in color. Again, this may not mean anything, but it has been noted as a symptom of long exposure to arsenic. If people work around chemicals or have any reason to suspect any form of arsenic consumption, this is fairly easy to test with the help of a physician.

Fingernails are extremely important and they can say much about human health. Doctors regularly examine nail beds to check for proper nourishment and even to assess cardiac function. The degree to which any lines on the nail are significant may vary based on the individual’s health status. Should people be concerned about unusual lines, it makes sense to check with a medical practitioner for guidance.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ysmina

@MikeMason-- There is so much misinformation out there about nail lines, everyone seems to have their own interpretation.

Nail lines reflect cell turnover in the nail. When it's vertical and not prominent, it simply indicates the direction of nail growth.

When the lines are vertical but extremely prominent or horizontal, do they indicate a problem. But the cause is difficult to determine and requires medical testing. I know that hormonal changes, infections and injury can cause horizontal lines. But it's better to let doctors determine the cause.

SteamLouis

@MikeMason-- I don't think so. I have the same thing and I remember asking my mom about it sometime back, she's a nurse. She said that it has to do with calcium deposits and it's normal to have slightly visible vertical ridges on fingernails

I personally think that it also has to do with moisture. I've started using a cuticle cream and I've noticed that my fingernail ridges are less apparent now.

stoneMason

I have some vertical lines on my nails and some small dents but they are the same color as my nail. Does this mean anything?

Mykol

I know that the health of your fingernails can tell a lot about your overall well being. Many doctors will look at your fingernails to give them a clue if something is wrong.

I know for myself that when I eat right and take a multi vitamin on a daily basis, my nails always look better. If I get lazy and don't them my vitamins for awhile, I get some little white spots on my nails.

I have seen some people with ridges in their fingernails, but this is something different than the tiny white spots I get. A ridge is something that doesn't usually grow out like the white spots do.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Most of the time, fingernail lines are normal and do not indicate underlying health issues.
      By: Farina3000
      Most of the time, fingernail lines are normal and do not indicate underlying health issues.
    • The parallel lines that run from the base to the tip of a fingernail become more prominent with age.
      By: Steven Damron
      The parallel lines that run from the base to the tip of a fingernail become more prominent with age.
    • Horizontal lines can be fairly ordinary on people who regularly get their nails manicured.
      By: Andriy Bezuglov
      Horizontal lines can be fairly ordinary on people who regularly get their nails manicured.