iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersInternal Medicinenail abnormality

What could be the cause of persistent horizontal nail ridges?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 39-year-old female, weighing 132 pounds and my height is 5 feet and 7 inches. I have noticed the presence of persistent horizontal nail ridges over the past two years. Initially, I attributed it to the natural aging process, but the condition seems to worsen. I maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. I neither consume alcohol nor smoke, and currently, I am taking a multivitamin tablet named Ubiquinol, and a collagen supplement. There is no history of specific medical conditions associated with this issue. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. I read your query and understood your concern.

I have reviewed the attached images and observed the abnormality (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). If blood work is normal, this could be due to fungal infection or chemical exposure. Can you please answer the following questions:

  1. Have you experienced any chemical exposure at your workplace?

  2. Have you been exposed to any chemicals at home?

  3. Are you experiencing any itching?

Please reply to the above-asked questions so that I can guide you better.

I hope my advice will be helpful. Feel free to reach out if you have any further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I apologize for the earlier clarification. I used Tretinoin on my hands. I have not been exposed to chemicals outside my regular household and do not use any skincare products that contain chemicals. There is no itching. Could it possibly be due to any particular vitamin or iron deficiency? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, iron deficiency could be the cause. Another possibility can be low niacin and riboflavin (vitamin B group) levels. You told me that all blood reports are normal. Kindly answer the below questions.

  1. Have you checked your iron levels?

  2. May I know which multivitamin you are taking?

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At December 21, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 21, 2023

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

I have chronic paronychia and painful swelling in the ring finger's nail fold. Kindly assist.

Fungal Infection of Lip - Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Fungal Infections of Lung: An Outline

My fingernails are not normal. What could it be?

Read answers about:

nail abnormalityfungal infection

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Trustpilot

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.