updates | March 23, 2026

Why do I have horizontal ridges on my thumbs?

Beau’s lines are grooves that run horizontally across the fingernails.

Can emotional stress cause Beau’s lines?

It’s not only nervous nibbling-stress alone can cause brittle nails, and major upsets (like a divorce or death in the family) can trigger horizontal grooves called Beau’s lines, says Whitney Bowe, MD, a dermatologist in NYC.

What do dents in thumb nails mean?

Nail pitting is when you have tiny dents in your fingernails or toenails. It can be a sign of psoriasis, eczema, or joint inflammation. You might also get them if they run in your family.

What vitamin helps with nail ridges?

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy. It’s also highly recommended as a supplement to help boost the strength of hair and nails. Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can help strengthen nails.

How do you get rid of Beau’s lines?

For example, if you’ve developed Beau’s lines because of diabetes, successfully controlling your blood sugar may reduce these horizontal fingernail ridges. Treatment for skin conditions such as eczema may include moisturizers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms.

What do Beau’s lines indicate?

The indentations can appear when growth at the area under the cuticle is interrupted by injury or severe illness. Conditions associated with Beau’s lines include uncontrolled diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, as well as illnesses associated with a high fever, such as scarlet fever, measles, mumps and pneumonia.

Should I be worried if I have Beau’s lines?

Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, are often symptoms of a serious condition. They may actually stop nail growth until the underlying condition is treated. Acute kidney disease may also be present if Beau’s lines appear.

Should I be concerned about Beau’s lines?

Beau’s lines can be a clue to a systemic illness or drug reaction. If a systemic illness, medication, or other causative factor is identified, this underlying issue should be treated.

What does it mean if you have ridges on your nails?

Ridges in the fingernails are often normal signs of aging. Slight vertical ridges commonly develop in older adults. In some cases, they may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, may indicate a serious condition.

Can Beau’s lines be harmless?

Beau’s lines are horizontal, going across the hairline, and should not be confused with vertical ridges going from the bottom (cuticle) of the nail out to the fingertip. These vertical lines are usually a natural consequence of aging and are harmless.

Can anxiety cause Beau’s lines?

Should I be worried about Beau’s lines?

Can anxiety cause Beaus lines?

At what age do fingernails get ridges?

Some people may notice them in their 30s, while others don’t see them until their 50s. It depends on overall nail health and how frequently nail-cell turnover is happening (which slows as you age). What if my nail ridges are horizontal?

What illnesses cause Beau’s lines?

Conditions associated with Beau’s lines include uncontrolled diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, as well as illnesses associated with a high fever, such as scarlet fever, measles, mumps and pneumonia. Beau’s lines can also be a sign of zinc deficiency.

Can stress cause Beaus lines?