Nail health can reveal underlying health issues, as abnormalities may indicate problems with the liver, lungs, or other body systems. Vertical stripes, common with aging, are typically harmless but could signal nutritional deficiencies, like vitamin B12 or iron deficiency. Horizontal stripes, or Beau’s lines, can be linked to trauma, malnutrition, diabetes, heart issues, or respiratory diseases. These grooves often appear after illness or stress, and if present on all nails, they may indicate systemic diseases like pneumonia or mumps. White horizontal stripes, or Muehrcke’s lines, could suggest liver or kidney problems, particularly with low protein levels. While mild nail changes can be harmless, sudden or pronounced changes should prompt a consultation with a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions.
