What Treatment Do You Suggest For Ridges On Thumb Nail?

Posted on Sat, 2 Nov 2013

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

Sat, 2 Nov 2013 Answered on

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have ridegs on my thumb nail they run east and west

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Please refer to the following answer... Detailed Answer: Hi, It would be of great help if you could send a picture of your thumb nail with such ridges. Usually, ridges are a common phenomena by age (this is for vertical ridges). As yours are of east-west position (horizontal I assume which we doctors refer them as "Beau's lines", your picture would help to better determine it), they could be indicative for: - malnutrition - infections - heart problems - diabetes (perhaps you are a diabetic without knowing it) Your diagnosis is based on physical examination and some blood work to find out the right problem and get treated accordingly. Hope this answered your inquiry! If you have other concerns, please do not hesitate to write back to me! I'd be thankful if you could send the photos of your thumb nail. Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad