Your fingernails are a great barometer of your health. There are two types of ridges that can appear on your nails: vertical and horizontal. Vertical ridges run from the cuticle to the tip of your nail and are very common, especially as you age. These ridges are typically no cause for concern.

Horizontal ridges run from side to side on your nails and are often referred to as Beau’s lines. Horizontal ridges can be caused by trauma to the nail and may be deep or discolored. The can also indicate malnutrition, psoriasis or a thyroid problem.

Check with your doctor if you see horizontal ridges on your nails; they may indicate a more serious problem.

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