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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
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What it means: Common with aging. The nail matrix slows down, leading to ridges.
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When to worry: If they become deep, discolored, or are paired with brittleness, it could suggest:
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Vitamin or mineral deficiencies (iron, B12, magnesium)
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Dehydration
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Poor circulation
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2. Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)
🔴 More serious
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What it means: These lines run side to side and may indicate a disruption in nail growth.
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Possible causes:
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Severe illness or infection (e.g., COVID-19, flu, pneumonia)
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Diabetes or poor blood sugar control
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Thyroid disorders
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Chemotherapy or major physical stress
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Malnutrition or zinc deficiency
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⚠️ 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
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What it means: A dark vertical streak under the nail, especially on one nail.
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Possible cause: Subungual melanoma — a rare but dangerous type of skin cancer.
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More common in people over 40.
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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)
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Common causes: Minor trauma or zinc deficiency.
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If persistent or widespread, may signal:
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Liver disease
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Low protein or albumin levels
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5. Red or Brown Streaks (Splinter Hemorrhages)
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Tiny blood lines under the nails
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Could indicate:
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Heart infection (endocarditis)
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Autoimmune disorders
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High blood pressure or trauma
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✅ What You Should Do:
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Monitor your nails like you would your skin or eyes — they reflect internal health.
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If you notice new, dark, deep, or spreading lines, don’t ignore them.
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Consider checking for:
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Vitamin deficiencies (B12, iron, zinc)
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Thyroid function
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Blood sugar (A1C)
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Liver and kidney function
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