Ridges on toenails: How to get rid of them - what do they mean?

RIDGES on toenails can be painful and unpleasant, and they may be caused by a condition known as Beau's lines. This is how to get rid of toenail ridges, and what may be causing them, including diabetes, vitamin deficiency, and even pneumonia.

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Toenail ridges are relatively common, and may be caused by a number of different conditions. If you develop strange lines on your nails, you should consider speaking to a doctor.

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It's absolutely crucial that everyone regularly checks their feet for any unusual changes.

Some people may notice a large dent across their toenail, according to Michfoot Surgeons.

These lines are usually known as Beau's lines - a condition that describes horizontal grooves in the nails.

They're depressions that look like small dents across the width of the nails.

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Ridges on toenails: How to get rid of them - what

Ridges on toenails: How to get rid of them - what do they mean? (Image: GETTY Images/WikiCommons (LynnMcCleary))

What causes ridges on toenails?

Most of the time, Beau's lines are caused by excessive trauma.

You may have dropped something on your foot which subsequently damages the nail bed.

Some people even develop these ridges after spending long periods of time in extremely cold weather.

The dent usually appears a few days after spending time in the cold, however.

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On rarer occasions, your toenail ridges may be caused by an underlying medical condition.

Malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease could all lead to Beau's lines.

You should never ignore subtle changes to your nails, especially something like Beau's lines, warned the surgery.

While it's likely to be nothing serious, it's better to get it checked by a doctor.

Ridges on toenails: Speak to a doctor if you

Ridges on toenails: Speak to a doctor if you develop toenail ridges (Image: GETTY Images)

"If you're following the guidelines we as podiatrists tend to repeat, you're already checking your feet regularly for any signs of changes, like discoloured spots or tenderness or sores," it said.

"So, what if you're looking over your feet one day and notice a large dent across your toenail?

"Beau's lines can occur on both your toenails and fingernails. A Beau's line, as described above, is a groove that runs across your nail; a person may have one or several on a nail.

"In cases where you can tie it back to a trauma, it usually doesn't need medical attention. If it's painful or if the skin underneath is dark, book an appointment."

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    How to get rid of toenail ridges

    A doctor may decide to start you on a treatment plan if the ridges are caused by a skin condition.

    But, generally, all treatments aim to resolve the underlying medical condition.

    Your GP may suggest a blood or urine test to diagnose the root cause of Beau's lines.

    For example, if the ridges are caused by diabetes, a doctor may prescribe diabetes medication.