That headline is a typical “clickbait” phrasing, but there is some truth behind nail changes after age 40. Let’s break it down carefully.
What Lines on Nails Could Mean After 40
1. Vertical Lines (from cuticle to tip)
- Common and usually harmless.
- Often caused by aging, dryness, or reduced nail growth rate.
- Most people develop some vertical ridges with age.
2. Horizontal Lines (Beau’s Lines)
- Appear as indentations across the nail.
- Can indicate temporary disruption of nail growth, often due to:
- Severe illness
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- High fever or infection
- If they appear on multiple nails, it’s worth discussing with a doctor.
3. Dark or Discolored Lines
- Melanonychia: Dark vertical lines could be benign pigment changes.
- Rarely, a single dark streak may signal subungual melanoma (a type of skin cancer).
- Prompt evaluation by a dermatologist is important if a line is dark, widening, or only on one nail.
4. Other Nail Changes
- Brittle nails, splitting, or white spots may indicate nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, protein).
- Thickened or discolored nails can indicate fungal infections.
When to See a Doctor
- Sudden appearance of deep horizontal or dark vertical lines.
- Nail changes accompanied by pain, swelling, or redness.
- Lines on only one nail that are dark or widening.
💡 Bottom Line:
- Vertical lines are usually a normal sign of aging.
- Horizontal lines or dark streaks can be warning signs of illness or, rarely, skin cancer.
- Nail changes after 40 are worth monitoring and sometimes need medical evaluation.
I can make a “Nail Lines After 40: What’s Normal vs. Warning” chart that shows types of lines, causes, and when to seek help—very handy for spotting problems early.
Do you want me to make that?
