While manicures will cover any ripples or bumps on your nails, shiny polish can’t hide the disease that might be hiding inside your body.

Your nails can show something about your overall health and any abnormalities can suggest there’s a potential problem with your liver, lungs or heart.

Nail health often reflect what’s happening inside our bodies and when changes occur, it may signal various health conditions or simply reflect normal aging processes.

But according to the National Library of Medicine (NCBI), stripes on fingernails can be harmless, ridges on “nails may also provide an insight into more sinister systemic manifestations,” indicating underlying health issues.

In the article today, we’ll explore the different types of stripes on your nails, what they might mean and when you should consider seeking medical advice.

Types of Nail Stripes

Vertical Stripes

Longitudinal striations or vertical stripes, are common and typically run from the cuticle to the tip. They are often associated with aging, as nail ridges can become more prominent with age.

In some cases, they may be often a mirror of nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of certain minerals or vitamins (vitamin B12, magnesium, or iron).

Vertical ridges are common with aging and are often harmless. However, if they appear suddenly or become more pronounced, it may be worth checking for conditions like anemia or thyroid issues.

Horizontal Stripes

Horizontal stripes or grooves, also called Beau’s lines, may show more specific health concerns.

These horizontal indentations can appear after physical trauma to the nail, or from serious illnesses or medical conditions, including malnutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, heart attacks or respiratory diseases.