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· 17 Jan 2022

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Why are my nails bumpy?

Your fingernails might reveal a lot about your overall health. Stress, thyroid disease, kidney disease is just a few of the things that might cause changes in the nails. The appearance of vertical and horizontal ridges is a common change. The nails may very well be bumpy as a consequence of the ridges. Fingernail ridges are, for the most part, harmless.

Causes and symptoms of fingernail ridges

Your fingernails are made up of living skin cells in your fingertips. As a result, fingernail ridges may develop as a result of a skin condition such as eczema. Dry skin might also contribute to these ridges. Ridges in the fingernails may suggest a deficiency in vitamin A, zinc, protein, or calcium in your body.

Vertical ridges

Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail to the cuticle. They're also known as longitudinal striations or bands.

Little vertical ridges which are found in fingernails are typical in older persons, possibly due to a decrease in cell turnover. This is when new skin cells are formed beneath your skin's surface and rise to the surface to replace the dead cells which have been removed.

Other symptoms, like changes in the texture or color of your nails, could be caused by a medical problem. In trachyonychia, or 20-nail dystrophy, the ridges may be followed by a change in nail color, or the nails may have turned rough or brittle. Iron deficiency anemia may also cause vertical ridges and changes to the nails which make them concave, or even spoon-shaped.

Horizontal ridges

Beau's lines, or even the deep horizontal ridges, can indicate a serious illness. They may even stop nail growth until the underlying issue is resolved. If Beau's lines appear, you may be suffering from acute renal failure. Additionally, when Beau's lines show on all 20 of his nails, it could indicate:

• mumps
• Thyroid issues
• Diabetic complications
• syphilis


Chemotherapy could be the source of Beau's lines.
As a result of nail stress, red or brown spots may occur beneath your nails. It could be a symptom of a more serious disease like endocarditis or melanoma if you notice dark brown, black, or red color alterations under your nails, yet haven't had any nail injuries.

Identifying the causes of fingernail ridges
Any rapid changes in your nails should be evaluated by your doctor. If you have a broken nail as a result of an injury, then you should wait a few weeks to watch how the nail and the finger heal before consulting a doctor.
However, if any of the following symptoms have occurred as a result of the accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

• a ragged or clean cut on your fingernail
• a shattered nail
• a nail removal
• you've got a bleed under your fingernail

During your consultation, the doctor will examine the nails and enquire about any other signs you're experiencing. Urine and blood tests may be performed if the doctor suspects diabetes, kidney illness, or nutritional deficits.

A dermatologist can start treatment if the ridges seem to be the result of a skin issue. If the source of the fingernail ridges is unknown, the dermatologist can collect sample fingernail clippings to have them analyzed in a lab for indications of infection.