Why do my nails have lines in them and should I be concerned?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Lines on your nails, also called nail ridges, can appear for several reasons. Common causes include onychomadesis (nail shedding), aging, nutritional deficiencies, trauma, or underlying conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, thyroid disorders, or eczema. Vertical ridges are usually harmless, while horizontal lines (Beau's lines) may signal illness or stress to the body.

Because nail changes can reflect anything from minor issues to more serious health concerns, identifying the cause early matters. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be behind your nail changes and guide your next steps—whether that's home care or seeing a doctor. It takes just a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary appointments.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Lines on your nails, also known as nail ridges, can happen for different reasons. One possible cause is onychomadesis, which is a condition where the nail sheds. This can be linked to viral infections, as discussed in a study about nail shedding mechanisms.

Another reason for nail changes, including lines, could be related to carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition affects the hand and wrist, and it can sometimes cause changes in the nails, according to research on nail changes associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you have lines on your nails and are concerned, it might be helpful to check your symptoms with a free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing them. They can help figure out if there's an underlying condition that needs attention. Remember, it's always good to keep an eye on any new or changing symptoms.

(References)

Chiu HH, Liu MT, Chung WH, Ko YS, Lu CF, Lan CE, et al. (2019). The Mechanism of Onychomadesis (Nail Shedding) and .... Viruses, 31174263.
Egger A, & Tosti A. (2020). Carpal tunnel syndrome and associated nail changes. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 32199899.
Zisova L, Valtchev V, Sotiriou E, Gospodinov D, & Mateev G. (2012). Onychomycosis in patients with psoriasis--a multicentre study. Mycoses, 21771106.

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