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I have dents on all of my fingernails except one. They did not used to be there! What is wrong? I am taking vitamins, and I believe I am relatively healthy. I am 19.
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I just noticed small dents, not ridges, in mostly all my nails. they're in clusters mostly and go horizontally. i do confess that i dont eat very healthy as i work all day and dont have the energy to cook when i get home. should i be worried?
January 19, 2011 - 7:38pmThis Comment
Problems with your fingernails can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, they can be a sign that you work with your hands or had an "injury" to the area, or it can just be your normal anatomy.
Here is a helpful site that shows pictures of fingernails, and what each type of dent or ridge may indicate: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/slideshow-what-your-nails-say-about-your-health.
If you are concerned about these symptoms after reviewing the images from the link above, you may want to call your doctor so s/he can look at your actual nails.
By the way...you can still eat healthy, even if you are too tired to cook after work! So many of us are in the same boat with full-time jobs, part-time jobs, full-time with kids..or some combination. It is really hard to eat healthy, but let us know if you are interested in some ideas to eat healthy and quick after a hard day of work.
January 20, 2011 - 10:15amThis Comment
i've had ridges on my nails since i was 12 im 23 now. it started on just one or 2 nails but now i have them on all my nails. could it mean that im anemic?
May 26, 2010 - 8:44amThis Comment
Hi Anonymous
Did you look at our page on nail ridges? https://www.empowher.com/condition/nail-ridges
Maybe that and reading the related comments will help you. Thanks for visiting the site!
May 26, 2010 - 11:42amThis Comment
Anon, most likely you have nothing to worry about, and as Alison said, this will grow out in time. If you do have problems, however, please feel free to get in touch. Pat
January 27, 2010 - 6:00pmThis Comment
I am 13 and i have the same problem as you.
January 26, 2010 - 8:56ami don't understand why either at first i had vertical ridges and then i filed them away now in the middle of my two thumbs there is a vertical rise and then off to the left side of both thumbs there is a little indentation...i am taking organic vitamins and eating very healthy everyday (to add to the first question) is it possible this might just be genetic or normal and we dont have any deficiency's'?
This Comment
It could also possibly be from an injury that occurred in your fingernail ("injury" could be slight, as hitting your fingernail accidentally), if you do not think you have any nutritional deficiencies. It will take some time to grow out.
Is this causing you any problems or concerns?
January 26, 2010 - 1:28pmThis Comment
No, this isnt causing me problems as far as i know.
January 27, 2010 - 5:08pmThis Comment
Dear Anon,
Diane gave you some great information on nail ridges. The good news is that it is relatively common and should not be a cause for concern.
Kudos to you for noticing a change in your nails and asking about it. Many people don't realize that nail changes go hand in hand with respiratory problems, heart conditions, and malnutrition. Although these may not apply in your case, I think it's great that you were reactive about the change in nails. Please do see a doctor if you notice any change in color, horizontal ridging, or spooning (clubbing) of the nails as these may indicate a serious condition.
Believe it or not, many people have vertical ridging-- you just have to look really close sometimes.
Please keep us updated. :-)
November 13, 2009 - 7:04amThis Comment
Dents or ridges in nails may also occur due to fungus infection in nail toes. Fungal nail infections don’t go away, and might worsen. They tend to begin with dents in the beginning stage. So it is better if you consult a skin doctor as soon as possible.
November 13, 2009 - 4:56amThis Comment