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What Does It Mean When My Big Toenails Have Ridges

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Posted on Fri, 10 May 2019
Question: What does it mean when my big toenails have ridges running from top to bottom ?
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
maybe due to onychorrhexis

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The presence of vertical ridges is called onychorrhexis.

The ridges or striations can be due to different causes such as aging, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation), lichen planus (skin condition with irritation/swelling and other changes of the nails, skin,hair), trauma, anemia, thyroid disease

These are some of the more common reasons for the changes.

if you have other symptoms, then you may need to be seen by your doctor for assessment.
Examination and bloods may be needed to rule out some of the other causes if suspected

Treatment would depend on the cause. If thought to be due to aging, there would be no specific treatment.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Would being Diabetic have
anything to do with the ridges?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it can occur in some persons

Detailed Answer:
HI

There are some nail and skin changes that can occur in diabetics

Yellow nails is the most common change in diabetes but ridges (onychorrhexis) is also possible.

The yellow changes, if they occur, are thought to be due to reduced circulation and also the build up of certain products.
In some persons, there may also be slow nail growth which again is related to the blood supply to the nail bed

Please feel free to ask anything else
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does It Mean When My Big Toenails Have Ridges

Brief Answer: maybe due to onychorrhexis Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The presence of vertical ridges is called onychorrhexis. The ridges or striations can be due to different causes such as aging, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation), lichen planus (skin condition with irritation/swelling and other changes of the nails, skin,hair), trauma, anemia, thyroid disease These are some of the more common reasons for the changes. if you have other symptoms, then you may need to be seen by your doctor for assessment. Examination and bloods may be needed to rule out some of the other causes if suspected Treatment would depend on the cause. If thought to be due to aging, there would be no specific treatment. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions