Why Do Finger Nails Get Ridges And Dents In Them?

Posted on Tue, 15 May 2018

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

Tue, 15 May 2018 Answered on

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : it would be helpful to know why finger nails get ridges and or dents in them? Are these conditions linked to other health issues? I welcome some insight into this.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
May point to underlying long-standing health issues

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ma'am

I can certainly understand your concern.

I have worked through your attached query in detail.

Ridges on the nails usually suggest chronic health issues most commonly iron deficiency anemia.

But even more common is a localised Infection (usually fungal) that specifically affects few nails but not all.

Specific pattern of nail Abnormality may sometimes indicate specific health condition.

Post your further queries if any
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy