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2. **Horizontal Ridges (Beau’s Lines)**:
– Horizontal ridges run from one side of the nail to the other and can sometimes be a more serious concern. They may appear suddenly after a trauma, illness, or infection.
– **Health Conditions**: They can indicate:
– **Severe illness or stress**: A significant illness or high fever can temporarily disrupt nail growth, causing these ridges.
– **Nutrient deficiencies**: Particularly a lack of protein, zinc, or calcium.
– **Heart disease or diabetes**: These can also affect nail health and growth.
3. **Pitting**:
– While not exactly ridges, small dents or pits in the nails can sometimes be seen along with ridges.
– **Health Conditions**: Pitting is commonly associated with skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or alopecia areata.
4. **Ridges and Other Symptoms**:
– If you notice ridges along with other changes like discoloration, brittleness, or nail separation, it might be a sign of a deeper health issue, like a thyroid disorder or a fungal infection.
### When to See a Doctor
If your ridges are new, change rapidly, or are accompanied by other troubling symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. A doctor may examine your nails, consider your overall health, and possibly run tests to rule out any underlying conditions.
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