- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
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 (12)
- Will an air purifier eliminate cigarette smoke?
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Dental care (7)
- When to brush your teeth
- Whitening toothpaste: Does it whiten teeth?
- Heart disease prevention: Does oral health matter?
- see all in Dental care
Skin care (9)
- Does sunscreen expire?
- Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
- Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm natural nails?
- Split fingernails: Can they be prevented?
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
- Eye exam: Is a laser retina scan worthwhile?
Sleep (9)
- Sleep and technology: What's the connection?
- How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
- see all in Sleep
Mental health (2)
- Passive-aggressive behavior: What are the red flags?
- Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
Healthy at work (4)
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- see all in Healthy at work
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Question
Nail ridges: Cause for concern?
Are vertical nail ridges in fingernails cause for concern?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Vertical nail ridges are fairly common and nothing to worry about.
Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical nail ridges often become more numerous or prominent with age, possibly due to variations in cell turnover within the nail.
If your fingernails change color or you develop horizontal nail ridges, consult your doctor. These changes could indicate an underlying health condition.
Next questionChoosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
- Nail diseases. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Edinburgh, Scotland: Mosby/Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00034-1&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00034-1--st0015&uniqId=238913083-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00034-1--st0015. Accessed April 11, 2011.
- Baran R. The nail in the elderly. Clinics in Dermatology. 2011;29:54.
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