Guide To Treating Fingernail Ridges

Consult A Dermatologist

Patients who notice fingernail ridges might want to consult a dermatologist. Although dermatologists specialize in the skin, they are physicians and can also test patients for the potential underlying causes of fingernail ridges. Dermatologists will examine the fingernails (and possibly the toenails), and they may also perform blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies and measure the function of various organs. Depending on the underlying cause of the ridges, the dermatologist might prescribe medicated creams or recommend dietary changes for the patient, and they could also prescribe medication to improve thyroid function if this is impaired. If tests reveal a patient's fingernail ridges might be associated with diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular issues, a referral to another specialist will be made. The dermatologist might ask the patient to attend follow-up appointments so any existing ridges can be monitored.