Striped Nails: What Your Body Might Be Telling You
Nails can reveal a lot about your overall health. Stripes or ridges in your nails may seem harmless, but they can sometimes signal underlying health conditions. Understanding these signs can help you take better care of your body.
Types of Nail Stripes and Their Meanings
1. White Horizontal Stripes (Muehrcke’s Lines)
- Appear as pairs of white bands running across the nails.
- May indicate low protein levels, liver disease, or kidney disease.
- Common in people with malnutrition or those undergoing chemotherapy.
2. Dark Vertical Stripes (Melanonychia)
- Can appear as brown or black streaks.
- Often caused by increased pigment production.
- In rare cases, could signal subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
3. Beau’s Lines (Deep Horizontal Grooves)
- Occur due to temporary nail growth interruption.
- Associated with serious illness, malnutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, or high fever (such as from COVID-19 or flu).
- May also result from chemotherapy or injury.
4. Vertical Ridges (Onychorrhexis)
- Usually harmless and a normal sign of aging.
- Can also be linked to iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (B12 or magnesium), or dehydration.
5. Red or Blue Stripes Under the Nail (Splinter Hemorrhages)
- Tiny, thin, reddish-brown streaks resembling splinters.
- May indicate trauma, heart infections (endocarditis), or autoimmune diseases like lupus.
When to See a Doctor
- If you notice sudden changes in your nails.
- If stripes are dark and growing, which could indicate melanoma.
- If nail discoloration is accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or unexplained weight loss.
How to Keep Your Nails Healthy
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dryness and ridges.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and wear gloves while cleaning.
- Keep your nails trimmed and moisturized.
Your nails can serve as an early warning system for health issues. If you notice persistent changes, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
