Why do my nails have ridges and white spots?
Rachel Ross
Updated on February 24, 2026
Why do my nails have ridges and white spots?
Ridges on nails can be a sign of malnourishment or a specific deficiency in iron, in which case you may also have depressed areas on the nail. Horizontal ridges on nails can also result from arsenic poisoning. See a doctor for evaluation if you notice ridges forming on your nails.
Does zinc deficiency cause nail ridges?
So a skin condition such as eczema may lead to fingernail ridges. Skin dryness can also cause these ridges. If your body is low in protein, calcium, zinc, or vitamin A, a deficiency can sometimes be revealed by ridges in your fingernails.
What are you lacking when you have ridges on your nails?
Ridges. Our nails naturally develop slight vertical ridges as we age. However, severe and raised ridges can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B12 or keratin can result in fingernail ridges.
What are the five signs of zinc deficiency?
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?
- hair loss.
- changes in their nails.
- diarrhoea.
- more infections.
- feeling irritable.
- loss of appetite.
- impotence.
- eye problems.
What deficiency causes white spots on nails?
Mineral deficiency You may notice white spots or dots along your nails if you are deficient in certain minerals or vitamins. The deficiencies most commonly linked to this issue are zinc deficiency and calcium deficiency.
Does magnesium deficiency cause nail ridges?
Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 reactions in your body, including protein synthesis, which is required for nail growth ( 10 ). Vertical ridges in your nails may be a sign of a magnesium deficiency.
How long does it take to correct a zinc deficiency?
Mild zinc deficiency should be treated with zinc supplementation at two to three times the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), whereas moderate to severe deficiency can be treated at four to five times the RDA. 40,41 Treatment should last for six months.
How do I know if Im low on zinc?
This leads to symptoms such as:
- unexplained weight loss.
- wounds that won’t heal.
- lack of alertness.
- decreased sense of smell and taste.
- diarrhea.
- loss of appetite.
- open sores on the skin.
Can thyroid problems cause ridges in nails?
Thyroid dysfunction can also affect your nails, causing abnormality in nail shape, nail color, or attachment to the nail bed. Pay attention if you experience ongoing hangnails, ridges in your nails, splitting, peeling, or even dry cuticles.
What do nails look like with thyroid problems?
Curved nails with swollen fingertip A swollen fingertip, curved nail, and thickening skin above a nail are often signs of thyroid disease.