Ava Monroe
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild, contagious viral infection that affects children. It is caused by a group of coxsackieviruses, mainly coxsackievirus A16 and Human enterovirus 71. While the disease typically manifests as fever and vesicles on the hands, feet, and mouth, it can also lead to nail changes, including onychomadesis (nail shedding), Beau's lines, and nail discolouration. These nail changes typically occur 4-8 weeks after the initial disease onset and are thought to be caused by temporary inhibition of nail matrix activity due to inflammation or direct viral proliferation. While nail lifting and shedding due to HFMD can be concerning, it is a rare complication that usually resolves spontaneously within 1-4 months, with no active intervention required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does hand, foot, and mouth disease cause fingernails to lift? | There is no clear evidence that hand, foot, and mouth disease directly causes fingernails to lift or detach. However, in rare cases, some people may experience nail changes or loss as a possible complication of the disease. |
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What You'll Learn
Hand, foot and mouth disease can cause nail shedding
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild, contagious viral infection that is usually seen in children. It is caused by a group of coxsackieviruses, chiefly coxsackievirus A16 and Human enterovirus 71. The disease is characterised by fever, and eruptions over the palms, soles, knees, buttocks, and oral mucosa.
Nail changes are observed 4-8 weeks after the disease onset. These changes are thought to occur due to temporary inhibition of nail matrix activity as a result of either direct inflammation from periungual HFMD lesions, the proliferation of the virus in the nail matrix, or HFMD's systemic impact on the general condition of the patient.
Onychomadesis, or nail shedding, is a rare complication of hand, foot, and mouth disease. It typically occurs 4-6 weeks after the illness onset, and is characterised by the nail plate separating from the nail bed. This gives the nails a peeling appearance. In some cases, the nails may fall off completely. While this can be concerning, it is important to note that onychomadesis is usually self-limited and requires no treatment. The nails will generally return to normal within 1-4 months.
In addition to onychomadesis, Beau's lines, horizontal grooves running across the nail plates, are also commonly observed following hand, foot, and mouth disease. These lines are typically accompanied by nail discolouration, with nails taking on a yellowish-orange or cloudlike grey-white colour.
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Beau's lines are another nail change
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that is usually mild and often affects children. It is caused by a group of coxsackieviruses, mainly coxsackievirus A16 and Human enterovirus 71. The disease is characterised by fever and eruptions on the palms, soles, knees, buttocks, and oral mucosa.
Nail changes are observed 4-8 weeks after the onset of the disease. These changes include onychomadesis (nail shedding), Beau's lines, and yellowish-orange discolouration of the nail plate. Beau's lines are another nail change that can occur following hand, foot, and mouth disease. They are horizontal ridges or dents that run across the nail plates of one or more fingernails or toenails. These lines indicate that nail growth has been interrupted by an illness, injury, or skin condition.
In the case of hand, foot, and mouth disease, Beau's lines are thought to occur due to temporary inhibition of nail matrix activity as a result of direct inflammation from periungual lesions, proliferation of the virus in the nail matrix, or the systemic impact of the disease on the body. Beau's lines are not harmful and do not require specific treatment. However, they can provide insight into underlying health conditions. Treating the underlying cause of Beau's lines will allow new, smooth nails to grow again. This process can take about six months.
Several factors can contribute to the formation of Beau's lines, including illnesses or infections such as high fever, strep infections, and skin conditions. Chronic conditions such as hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, and Raynaud's phenomenon can also cause Beau's lines. Additionally, severe emotional stress, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or job loss, can affect nail health and growth, leading to the development of Beau's lines.
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Nail changes are temporary
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild, contagious viral infection that is usually seen in children. It is caused by a group of coxsackieviruses, mainly coxsackievirus A16 and Human enterovirus 71. The disease is characterised by fever and eruptions on the palms, soles, knees, buttocks, and oral mucosa.
Nail changes are a recognised complication of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. These changes, known as onychomadesis, occur in the form of nail shedding, Beau's lines, and discolouration of the nail plate. Beau's lines are horizontal grooves that run across the nail plates.
Nail changes typically occur 4-8 weeks after the onset of the disease. The changes are thought to be caused by temporary inhibition of nail matrix activity due to direct inflammation from periungual HFMD lesions, proliferation of the virus in the nail matrix, or the systemic impact of the disease.
No active intervention is required for nail changes caused by hand-foot-and-mouth disease, as they tend to resolve spontaneously within 1-4 months. Fresh, thin, pink nails will grow back slowly, and any discolouration will fade.
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No active intervention is required
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild, contagious viral infection that is usually caused by coxsackieviruses, specifically coxsackievirus A16, and Human enterovirus 71. It is characterised by fever and eruptions on the palms, soles, knees, buttocks, and oral mucosa.
Nail changes, or onychomadesis, following hand, foot, and mouth disease have been observed 4-8 weeks after the disease onset. Nail abnormalities include leukonychia, Beau's lines, and partial or complete nail shedding. Beau's lines are horizontal grooves that run across the nail plates, with some nails showing a cloud-like, grey-white colour.
While no intervention is required, some individuals have reported using nail polish or nail-strengthening base coats to prevent further peeling and to keep the nails in place.
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Changes in nails are not permanent
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild, contagious viral infection that is usually seen in children. It is caused by a group of coxsackieviruses, chiefly coxsackievirus A16 and Human enterovirus 71. The disease is characterised by fever and eruptions on the palms, soles, knees, buttocks, and oral mucosa.
Changes in nails following HFMD are observed 4-8 weeks after the disease onset. These changes include onychomadesis, Beau's lines, and yellowish-orange discolouration of the nail plate. Onychomadesis is a phenomenon in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed due to a cessation of activity in the nail matrix, usually followed by incomplete shedding of the nail. Beau's lines are horizontal grooves that run across the nail plates.
Nail changes are not permanent, and normal nail growth typically occurs within one to four months. No active intervention is required as the changes tend to resolve spontaneously within 1-2 months. However, to prevent further peeling, individuals can apply nail polish or a base coat to keep the peeling nails in place.
It is important to note that onychomycosis, an infection of the nail caused by a dermatophyte, is different from onychomadesis. Onychomycosis leads to thickened, discoloured, and brittle nails, but the nails do not separate from the nail bed.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a mild, contagious viral infection caused by a group of coxsackieviruses, mainly coxsackievirus A16 and Human enterovirus 71. It typically affects children and manifests as fever and vesicles on the hands, feet, and mouth.
Nail changes, or onychomadesis, following hand, foot, and mouth disease are thought to occur due to temporary inhibition of nail matrix activity. This can be caused by direct inflammation from periungual lesions, proliferation of the virus in the nail matrix, or the systemic impact of the disease.
Nail abnormalities can range from leukonychia and Beau's lines (horizontal grooves) to partial or complete nail shedding. Nails may also become discoloured, with white or yellow streaks, and brittle.
No active intervention is required as changes tend to resolve spontaneously within 1-4 months. However, to prevent further peeling, nail polish or nail strengthening polish can be applied.
