While manicures will cover any ripples or bumps on your nails, shiny polish can’t hide the disease that might be hiding inside your body.

Your nails can show something about your overall health and any abnormalities can suggest there’s a potential problem with your liver, lungs or heart.

Nail health often reflect what’s happening inside our bodies and when changes occur, it may signal various health conditions or simply reflect normal aging processes.

But according to the National Library of Medicine (NCBI), stripes on fingernails can be harmless, ridges on “nails may also provide an insight into more sinister systemic manifestations,” indicating underlying health issues.

In the article today, we’ll explore the different types of stripes on your nails, what they might mean and when you should consider seeking medical advice.