- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
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Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Staying healthy (5)
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- see all in Staying healthy
Dental care (3)
- Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
- Electric toothbrush: Better than a regular toothbrush?
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Skin care (8)
- Tattoo removal cream: Does it work?
- Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?
- Sun-protective clothing: Worth the expense?
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm your natural nails?
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- Vertical nail ridging: A cause for concern?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Eye exam: Do I need a laser retina scan?
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
Sleep (3)
- Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?
- Sleep guidelines: How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Sleep aids: Can antihistamines help me sleep?
Mental health (1)
- Passive-aggressive behavior: How can I recognize it?
Healthy at work (3)
- Shift work: How do I adjust to daytime sleeping?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- Test anxiety: Can it be treated?
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Question
Vertical nail ridging: A cause for concern?
What causes vertical ridges in fingernails?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Vertical nail ridges, which extend from your cuticle to the tip of your nail, are fairly common and often become more numerous or prominent as you age. Vertical ridges in your nails are not a health concern. Although the exact cause of such ridging isn't known, heredity likely plays a role.
If your fingernails change color or develop horizontal ridges, see your doctor. These changes may indicate underlying health problems, such as respiratory disease, malnutrition or even heart attack.
Next questionSplit fingernails: What causes them?
- Fawcett RS, et al. Nail abnormalities: Clues to systemic disease. American Family Physician. 2004;69:1417.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 11, 2009.
