If you have these lines on your nails after 40, it is a clear sign that

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🧾 If You Have These Lines on Your Nails After 40, It Could Be a Sign That…

1. Vertical Ridges (Longitudinal Lines)

🟢 Usually harmless

  • What it means: Common with aging. The nail matrix slows down, leading to ridges.

  • When to worry: If they become deep, discolored, or are paired with brittleness, it could suggest:

    • Vitamin or mineral deficiencies (iron, B12, magnesium)

    • Dehydration

    • Poor circulation


2. Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)

🔴 More serious

  • What it means: These lines run side to side and may indicate a disruption in nail growth.

  • Possible causes:

    • Severe illness or infection (e.g., COVID-19, flu, pneumonia)

    • Diabetes or poor blood sugar control

    • Thyroid disorders

    • Chemotherapy or major physical stress

    • Malnutrition or zinc deficiency

⚠️ Beau’s lines are a clear sign your body went through a major stress or illness and temporarily stopped nail growth.


3. Dark Lines Under the Nail (Melanonychia)

⚠️ Could be a sign of skin cancer

  • What it means: A dark vertical streak under the nail, especially on one nail.

  • Possible cause: Subungual melanoma — a rare but dangerous type of skin cancer.

  • More common in people over 40.

  • Also possible with trauma or certain medications, but if it grows or darkens, get it checked.

✅ If the line is dark, uneven, or spreading, see a dermatologist immediately.


4. White Lines or Spots (Leukonychia)

  • Common causes: Minor trauma or zinc deficiency.

  • If persistent or widespread, may signal:

    • Liver disease

    • Low protein or albumin levels


5. Red or Brown Streaks (Splinter Hemorrhages)

  • Tiny blood lines under the nails

  • Could indicate:

    • Heart infection (endocarditis)

    • Autoimmune disorders

    • High blood pressure or trauma


✅ What You Should Do:

  • Monitor your nails like you would your skin or eyes — they reflect internal health.

  • If you notice new, dark, deep, or spreading lines, don’t ignore them.

  • Consider checking for:

    • Vitamin deficiencies (B12, iron, zinc)

    • Thyroid function

    • Blood sugar (A1C)

    • Liver and kidney function

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