ask: I have recently discovered dents (or ridges) in my fingernails. What does this mean?

Hi, Anon!

Your fingernails are most likely nothing to worry about, except if they bother you cosmetically. Vertical ridges are apparently quite common and there may be a genetic factor -- do you know if your mom and/or dad have fingernails with ridges?

Have you seen any discoloration? White spots? Or are your ridges/dents going horizontally instead of vertically?

Here's a page we have on nail ridges:

http://www.empowher.com/condition/nail-ridges

And here's a Mayo Clinic opinion on ridges in fingernails, along with links you can click about other nail conditions:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/AN00591

Do you bite your cuticles? That may seem like an odd question when we're talking about the nails themselves, but apparently you can damage the nail before it even grows out, which can be one reason a "dent" appears.

Have you been on any new medications for about the same time period as you've noticed the dents or ridges? Or did you have a serious bout of the flu or another illness?

Some people with thyroid issues have dents in their fingernails. At 19 it's not likely that this is the case, but possible.

Here's a University of Maryland Medical Center overview on fingernail abnormalities, with some photographs included:

http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/003247.htm

Do any of those look like the problems you're having?

Dents or ridges in nails may also occur due to fungus infection in nail toes. Fungal nail infections don’t go away, and might worsen. They tend to begin with dents in the beginning stage. So it is better if you consult a skin doctor as soon as possible.

Dear Anon,

Diane gave you some great information on nail ridges. The good news is that it is relatively common and should not be a cause for concern.

Kudos to you for noticing a change in your nails and asking about it. Many people don't realize that nail changes go hand in hand with respiratory problems, heart conditions, and malnutrition. Although these may not apply in your case, I think it's great that you were reactive about the change in nails. Please do see a doctor if you notice any change in color, horizontal ridging, or spooning (clubbing) of the nails as these may indicate a serious condition.

Believe it or not, many people have vertical ridging-- you just have to look really close sometimes.

Please keep us updated. :-)

I am 13 and i have the same problem as you.
i don't understand why either at first i had vertical ridges and then i filed them away now in the middle of my two thumbs there is a vertical rise and then off to the left side of both thumbs there is a little indentation...i am taking organic vitamins and eating very healthy everyday (to add to the first question) is it possible this might just be genetic or normal and we dont have any deficiency's'?

Anon, most likely you have nothing to worry about, and as Alison said, this will grow out in time. If you do have problems, however, please feel free to get in touch. Pat

i've had ridges on my nails since i was 12 im 23 now. it started on just one or 2 nails but now i have them on all my nails. could it mean that im anemic?

I just noticed small dents, not ridges, in mostly all my nails. they're in clusters mostly and go horizontally. i do confess that i dont eat very healthy as i work all day and dont have the energy to cook when i get home. should i be worried?