A skin expert has recently shed light on what the ridges on your nails could mean—and when it’s time to take action and see a doctor.
Dr. Ross Perry, a skin specialist at Cosmedics, explains that these ridges can signal various health issues, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to dehydration, or even certain skin conditions.
According to Dr. Perry, deficiencies in key vitamins or minerals could cause ridges to appear. “Nutritional factors like a lack of Vitamin A, or if your body is low on protein or calcium, may lead to ridges forming,” he said. “In more extreme cases, a severe iron deficiency can cause noticeable changes to your nails, such as the development of ridges”