Ridged Nails
![](https://dzpdbgwih7u1r.cloudfront.net/9a002e8d-8fb2-4a10-9c84-aa864d9ecf9b/9bf98d0d-03bd-420d-95f0-0f40f65991a1/9bf98d0d-03ca-444b-a11b-ed9fb36c8862/w2400h1600-fcdfff6c134985af163501f2f055aec9.jpg)
What are Ridged Nails?
Ridges running either the length or width of the nail plate can have a number of common causes, including:
Age-related changes
Trauma to the nail matrix
Overzealous attention to the cuticles
Fever or illness
Poor circulation
Arthritis (Rheumatoid)
Eczema
Signs and Symptoms include:
Along with either horizontal or vertical ridges, the nails themselves may also:
Become thicker or thinner
Lose their smooth shape
Begin to split
Fissure
Break easily
![](https://nz.rs-cdn.com/images/nwsz8-f5ev6/page/532a5de39712092e6d03bcd0e19c2161__387b/zoom471x397z91456cw515.png)