What condition can be caused by uneven growth in nails?

Uneven growth in nails often leads to the development of ridge nails, which are characterized by noticeable vertical or horizontal grooves or ridges on the nail surface. These irregularities can occur due to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, trauma, or underlying health conditions that disrupt normal nail growth. As a result, when the growth of the nail matrix is affected, it can manifest as ridges, making this condition directly associated with uneven nail growth.

In contrast, the other conditions listed involve different mechanisms or causes. Split nails primarily result from environmental damage or excessive moisture, while yellow nail syndrome is a systemic condition often associated with respiratory issues and does not necessarily stem from nail growth discrepancies. Onychomycosis, commonly known as a fungal infection of the nails, is also unrelated to uneven growth, as it pertains to the presence of a fungal organism affecting the nail structure. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why ridge nails are specifically associated with uneven growth.