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What Causes Horizontal And Vertical Ridges On Toenails?
Question: I have horizontal and vertical ridges on my toenails, but only my big toes have both ridges. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
pictures are attached of my two big toes.
pictures are attached of my two big toes.
Brief Answer:
Normal physiological nail changes
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
I have seen the attached pictures.
You have surely developed both horizontal and vertical ridges over your toe nails .
It is good to get such a change checked by a dermatologist .
I have closely seen the pictures . These bands do not seem to be anything to be worried about.
These bands can form over the nails during normal nail plate growth as well .
Superficial bands are not a reason to worry ,only if the bands are deep and cause breaking of nails ,then infective causes have to be ruled out .
Dr Geetika Paul
Normal physiological nail changes
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
I have seen the attached pictures.
You have surely developed both horizontal and vertical ridges over your toe nails .
It is good to get such a change checked by a dermatologist .
I have closely seen the pictures . These bands do not seem to be anything to be worried about.
These bands can form over the nails during normal nail plate growth as well .
Superficial bands are not a reason to worry ,only if the bands are deep and cause breaking of nails ,then infective causes have to be ruled out .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
in other words...from the pictures attached everything looks normal to you? Even the color of my nails?
I have high blood pressure so every time I see my doctor he draws blood for kidney and liver function and a number of other things. Everything is always fine. I've tested myself several times for HIV as well and that has always came back negative. From my understanding those types of things can change my nail shape and color if there is an issue.
I have high blood pressure so every time I see my doctor he draws blood for kidney and liver function and a number of other things. Everything is always fine. I've tested myself several times for HIV as well and that has always came back negative. From my understanding those types of things can change my nail shape and color if there is an issue.
Brief Answer:
Need not worry ,nothing abnormal
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
You are very right in your understanding of nail changes in various systemic disorders of the body .
But in your case ,I find the appearance of nails completely normal .
Sometimes ,minor body illness or any kind of body stress which includes both physical or mental stress can retard the growth of nails to some degree.This can lead to development of lines over the nails which suggest a differential growth rate .
But this is a completely normal body phenomenon and nothing really needs to be done for it.
Signs of concern can be nail thickening ,formation of thick and deep bands ,breaking of nail or complete discolouration .
So if you develop any of these changes ,then you should surely see your specialist .
Dr Geetika Paul
Need not worry ,nothing abnormal
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
You are very right in your understanding of nail changes in various systemic disorders of the body .
But in your case ,I find the appearance of nails completely normal .
Sometimes ,minor body illness or any kind of body stress which includes both physical or mental stress can retard the growth of nails to some degree.This can lead to development of lines over the nails which suggest a differential growth rate .
But this is a completely normal body phenomenon and nothing really needs to be done for it.
Signs of concern can be nail thickening ,formation of thick and deep bands ,breaking of nail or complete discolouration .
So if you develop any of these changes ,then you should surely see your specialist .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Awesome! This all makes sense. Thanks for a great follow up. For now, I will not worry. I can say over a long period of time I did have a lot of mental stress which could have led to the ridges in my nails. I have noticed over time stress can cause a wreck to the body overalls health.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Brief Answer:
Best of health
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome
Wishing you speedy recovery
Take care
Dr Geetika Paul
Best of health
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome
Wishing you speedy recovery
Take care
Dr Geetika Paul
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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