What Causes Vertical Ridges In Nails?

Posted on Fri, 17 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 Answered on

Fri, 7 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have verticle ridges in my nails and the nails seem to be flattening out. also my hair is falling out alot more than it used to, like 30 strands a day. I am taking thyroid hormones and my numbers are normal.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
normal and normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM,
I know that these changes can be alarming but the vertical lines in nails are a normal part of aging. They are the equivalent of wrinkles on the skin. Horizontal lines can be a sign of disease or infection but vertical lines are normal.
Likewise the hair loss you describe is normal, actually a bit less than normal. Normal hair loss is 50-100 hairs per day.
It is good that your thyroid tests are normal.
Please let me know if you have other questions.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar