While manicures can cover up imperfections, your nails might be revealing hidden health issues. Changes in nail texture or color can signal problems with your liver, lungs, heart, or nutrition.

Vertical Ridges
Common with aging, vertical stripes (running from cuticle to tip) are usually harmless but may point to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, like low B12 or iron, or thyroid problems if they appear suddenly.

Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)
These grooves often follow serious illness, stress, or trauma. When seen on all nails, they may indicate systemic conditions such as pneumonia, mumps, or heart disease.

White Stripes (Muehrcke’s Lines)
White horizontal lines that don’t indent the nail may suggest low blood protein, liver disease, or kidney issues—especially if they appear on multiple nails and fade when pressed.

The Role of Nutrition
Most nail changes are linked to poor diet rather than serious illness. A lack of protein, biotin, iron, or zinc can lead to weak, brittle nails. Improving your nutrition often helps restore nail health.

Bottom Line
While some nail changes are normal, persistent or sudden differences could reflect underlying health problems. Pay attention—your nails may be trying to tell you something important.