While vertical ridges are usually benign, you should draw attention if they come with:
Changes in nail color (especially dark lines or streaks)
Nail splitting, peeling, or thickening
Pain, swelling, or inflammation around the nail
These could be signals of fungal infections, trauma, or in rare cases, melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer that can appear under the nail).
How to Ta.ke Care of Aging Nails