“Striped nails” usually refers to visible lines or ridges on the fingernails or toenails. In most cases, it’s harmless—but sometimes it can hint at an underlying issue depending on the pattern and symptoms. ### 🧾 Common types of nail stripes #### 1. Vertical ridges (most common) * Lines running from cuticle to tip * Often normal with age * Can be more noticeable with dry nails * Usually harmless #### 2. Horizontal lines (Beau’s lines) * Indentations or grooves across the nail * May appear after illness, stress, or injury * Can also be linked to temporary disruption in nail growth (Beau’s lines) #### 3. White streaks or spots * Often from minor trauma (bumping the nail) * Usually grow out on their own #### 4. Dark vertical streak (less common, more important) * Can be caused by pigment changes or, rarely, serious conditions like Subungual melanoma * Needs medical evaluation if new, changing, or widening — ### ⚠️ When to pay attention See a doctor if: * Stripes appear suddenly or change quickly * There is pain, splitting, or bleeding * A dark line is growing or spreading * Multiple nails are affected with other symptoms — ### ✔️ Bottom line Most nail stripes are **normal or harmless**, especially vertical ones. But sudden changes—especially dark or horizontal lines—are worth checking to rule out health issues. If you want, describe what your nails look like (color, direction of lines, one nail or many), and I can help narrow it down.