Which nail growth pattern is considered abnormal?

The growth pattern characterized by the presence of ridges is considered abnormal because it often indicates an underlying issue with nail health or systemic health problems. Ridges can manifest as either longitudinal (running from the cuticle to the tip of the nail) or transverse (across the nail) and may be a sign of various conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, trauma, or other health concerns. Healthy nails typically exhibit even growth and a smooth appearance, without any irregularities such as ridges. Therefore, the presence of ridges suggests a deviation from normal nail growth, warranting potential investigation for nail disorders or other health issues.