What's With These Ridges In My Fingernails?

Nail Trauma

If there has been recent trauma, like banging or hitting the fingernails against something or falling, brown or red spots might form under the nail. Injuries that result in a torn or crushed nail, a cut through the nail (ragged or clean), or bleeding through the nail should be seen by a doctor immediately. But if no trauma has occurred, and red, black, or dark brown spots appear under the nail, it might be a good idea to visit the doctor to determine a cause. Sometimes, trauma to a fingernail can damage it in such a way that results in ridges forming during the healing process. In these cases, it's often a matter of letting the nails grow out and trimming them as this happens.

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Change In Color

Any sudden change in the color of a fingernail or toenail should be followed by a doctor's visit. The doctor will be able to examine the nails and ask questions about other symptoms. Armed with this information, the doctor will be able to decide what, if any, additional tests are deemed necessary. If the doctor suspects nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, or kidney disease they will likely recommend blood and urine tests. The doctor could examine the nail and decide whether it's caused by melanoma or endocarditis. Alternatively, the doctor might recommend a dermatologist to help treat the nail if they suspect a skin condition is the root of the problem.

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