A. Vertical ridges on the Nail Plate can be due to health conditions but, most often a result of the aging process or I believe it to also to be inherited. More than likely if you have the Vertical ridges on your Nail Plate your mom and her mother had them, as well. The other cause of Vertical ridges on the Nail Plate can be the symptoms of a Thyroid condition. What I have mentioned does not extend to every situation. Again, I am not a doctor, if you have any concerns contact your MD or Dermatologist Immediately.

A. Horizontal ridges are more a symptom of damage or medication. If you have taken medication, for a period of time or you have been ill for a period of time, it often shows up on your Nail Plate. Horizontal ridges on the Nail Plate due to medication or illness are generally temporary, in my experience. Often times when the Matrix of the nail (This is the area right behind the Cuticle) is damaged somewhere along the line of life a dip, a permanently missing portion of nail, Vertical splits, that never seem to go away, I USUALLY CAN FIX THEM are all usually a result of injury to the Matrix. These often are permanent but, with proper care the appearance of the damage can be less visible.

A. I like to call white spots on our Nail Plate, bruises. If we hit our nail on something it can cause a white bruise. I have never heard anything to the contrary, not have I ever hear of a health issue.

A. Okay, this can be very serious and if you see anything black on your nail see your MD or Dermatologist IMMEDIATELY and don’t take no for answer so of speak. Have it biopsied and go to as many Doctors you feel necessary until you are comfortable it is not “Melanoma” This is something I have heard about and seem where the improper diagnosis of “black marks or strips” have been made. I looks as if it may be possibly mold but on the off chance it is not, it is better to be well informed. I am not a doctor.