The fingernails and toenails sometimes they can have stripes or lines of different types and colors. Its origin may be in a condition of the nails themselves or an imbalance in the body which also affects the nails.

Generally, lines or streaks on the nails are not seriousHowever, in this article we will clear up the most frequent doubts about its shape, color and origin.

Nails with stripes and lines: what they mean

Certainly for health professionals examining nails is important. The condition and color of the nails offers interesting information. But these days there are many people who wear the makeup nails, worked with geldecorated, and there are so many formats that we have missed an important part of the information. The truth is that the same thing happens with hair and the tone or appearance of the skin.

The nails, both those of the hands and those of the feet, may show streaks or lines appearing on all or some of the nails. The appearance of these scratched nails can vary depending on the causes. It is possible that one day you will see that you have longitudinal lines, as if they were tiny undulations on your nails and that this will scare you. Or maybe you’ve always had them and you hadn’t given them any importance.

In most cases, the appearance of stripes or lines, modifications such as small vertical or transverse undulations, They are not usually a sign of any serious problem. However, some scratched nails may indicate some imbalance and we will find some more symptoms in our state of health.

If stripes on the nails appear suddenly or with other symptoms, we should seek professional advice.

Types of stripes on nails

Nail stripes or lines can be:

• Longitudinal: They appear in the direction of nail growth.
• Transverse. The lines may actually be wavy or thick, meaning the nail is not smooth.

Generally the Ripples appear more strikingly on thicker nails, as in the nails of the toes and the nails of the thumbs. If you hit or had significant trauma to a nail, that nail may be thicker or thinner than the others; That’s why the lines can vary from one nail to another.

In other cases, they appear color changesfor example: white stripes, brown stripes or almost black stripes.

Why vertical stripes appear on nails

These are the main causes of nails showing vertical stripes or lines:

• Passage of time and aging. Vertical lines or stripes on nails are more common as we get older. Nails are constantly growing, but they are also affected by the passage of time. Therefore, over the years and the aging process, nails can show vertical lines or waves.
• There is a genetic or hereditary factor. There are people who have a natural tendency to have vertically striped nails and that does not imply any condition or deficiency.
• Nutritional deficiency. It is possible that these lines are telling us that our diet has some nutritional deficiency.

Let’s look in more detail what deficiencies may be behind from the appearance of vertical stripes on the nails:

• Deficiencies in minerals such as iron, zinc or silicon They can manifest with nail alterations such as slow growth, weak nails, and streaks or lines on nails that are normally white.
• Also a insufficient supply of amino acids may be the cause of these white longitudinal lines: let’s not forget that keratin is the main component of nails. Keratin is a protein that is very rich in sulfur and is part of the nails (nails, hair) and the outer layer of the skin.

In these cases of deficiency there are usually other simultaneous symptoms, so professional consultation will help you resolve any doubts.

The causes of horizontal stripes on nails

They can appear on the nails horizontal lines or groovesof greater or lesser thickness and depth. They are called Beau lines. They appear because normal nail growth has been altered in an area or in general on the nail.

Beau lines can appear “simply” because:

1. Nutritional deficiencies.
2. Blows, aggression to the nail with chemicals or physical mechanismsuch as the use of certain machinery or utensils, or a poorly performed manicure.
3. Conditions due to viruses, bacteria or fungi, eczema, Raynaud’s syndrome or some drugs.

In these cases, care focuses on the original cause, that is, addressing the cause so that little by little the nails regain a normal appearance.

For your part, what you can do is try to make sure your nail polish is of good qualityavoid using too much nail polish remover and too frequently. It would be good give your nails a break if you usually get manicures: gel, nail artetc., and let them grow and renew themselves.

If you have any condition simultaneously, follow professional advice.

Situations that can create streaks on your nails

As we have commented, certain conditions can manifest themselves with lines on the nails both vertical and transversal.

Blows or trauma

A blow or trauma can damage the nail structure and as a consequence, stripes, lines or undulations will appear that can be vertical or transversal.

When we hit ourselves, a lump may appear under the nail. ripple, depression or line, usually white.

At the location of the blow, if a bruise has occurred, the nail will appear redmaroon or even blackish, depending on the intensity or severity of the blow. Generally, as the nail grows, that spot or depression or line moves until disappears when it has grown enough. Sometimes if a trauma is very intense, the nail will continue to grow with lines or waves due to the damage suffered.

When the nails are subjected to trauma, tapping or continuous pressure, lines and spots may appear, usually white, as occurs in leukonychia, for example, in people who do manual work or play a stringed instrument.

Skin conditions

Eczema, psoriasis, mycosis or fungal nail infections and surrounding areas… can also affect the nails and cause lines, grooves, and color changes. Nails generally improve as the underlying condition is treated and improves.

In certain cases they appear black linescalled melanonychiawhich are related to a greater amount of melanin in the nail in a certain area.

These lines and spots may simply be genetic characteristicsor appear associated with inflammatory processes or injuries to hands or feet, infectious processestrauma such as blows, presence of a foreign body under the nail (for example, when a thorn, needle or pin is stuck or a remains remains after a cut or accident), or by pressureFor example, when wearing very tight shoes that put pressure on the nails.

If black spots appear on your nails suddenly, consult a professional. to examine your skin and your general condition, and thus have an accurate diagnosis.

Other conditions that affect the nails

The nails may have lines or streaks systemic conditions or diseases such as:

• Chronic inflammatory conditions of different locations.
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Raynaud’s syndrome.
• Diabetes.
• Kidney conditions.
• Cardiovascular disease.

Nail care

For avoid nail alterations with stripes, lines or grooves We must pay special attention to the following points:

• Hand, foot and nail hygiene.
• Streamline your nail makeup: gives nails time to restuse good quality polishes and products, if you do or have manicures and pedicures, take care of your nails and cuticles.
• Keep the hydrated nails and cuticles.
• Protect your hands and feet at work or activity: avoid blows and contact with irritating chemicals.
• Protect your hands and skin from the cold excessive.
• Keep the length of your nails compatible with your work or activity.
• Wear appropriate footwear: Avoid excessive pressure. A shoe that is too narrow or not long enough can put pressure on your nails, fingers and affect the health of your feet. Wear reinforced footwear if your work activity requires it.
• Eat a healthy diet that includes all the necessary nutrients.

If you have a condition that affects your skin or use a drug that can affect your skin and nails, discuss any changes with your health professional.