What Do Deep Ridges Running Across The Fingernails Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 24 Mar 2018

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

Sat, 24 Mar 2018 Answered on

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have deep ridges running horizontal across my finger nails (thumbs only) from cuticle to finger tips. Almost as if top layer of my fingernail is disinigrating. I have had no previous servers trauma to my nails. I have had no prior serious health conditions. I have looked online, they are kindof similar to Beaus lines although mine are much worse than any photos I have been able to find.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

Median Canalicular Dystrophy

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You seem to have Median Canalicular Dystrophy characterized by longitudinal splitting and riding of the nail plate which resembles a fir tree-like pattern.

May affect one or both the thumbnails. The condition is mostly idiopathic, however, other caused include trauma to the cuticle portion of the nail, subungual tumors, etc.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist

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