Brief Answer: Longitudinal ridge Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. It seems like a longitudinal ridge (onychorhexis). It is usually caused by some change in the nail matrix. More common causes are nutritional deficiencies like iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency and protein deficiency. It is sometimes associated with systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disease etc. These systemic conditions have other symptoms as well. I would suggest that you should get her blood tests done - basic along with for the above mentioned nutritional deficiencies namely iron profile, serum folic acid level, serum protein (and albumin and globulin levels). Thus contact a doctor to get a prescription for these tests. The treatment will most depend on the cause. For example if it is iron deficiency she can take syrup dexorange one - two tablespoon daily for 3 months. Hope it helps. Dr Vaishalee

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