Caleb Foster
Ridges in fingernails, or Beau's lines, can often be a sign of underlying health problems. While vertical ridges are common and usually harmless, horizontal ridges may indicate a more serious condition, such as malnutrition, serious nail injury, or even melanoma. Beau's lines can also be caused by certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or hypothyroidism. In some cases, they may be a result of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. While there is no specific treatment for Beau's lines, addressing the underlying cause can help prevent their recurrence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Beau's lines |
| Description | Horizontal ridges or dents in one or more fingernails or toenails |
| Causes | Illness, injury, skin condition, chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, peripheral artery disease), zinc deficiency, protein deficiency, emotional stress, chemotherapy, mumps, syphilis |
| Treatment | Treating the underlying cause, applying creams or moisturizers for skin conditions, keeping blood sugar under control for diabetes, avoiding manicures and harsh nail products |
| Prevention | Eating a healthy and varied diet, providing the body with proper nutrition |
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What You'll Learn
Zinc deficiency or lack of protein
While there are many causes for creases in fingernails, a severe zinc deficiency is one of the most common. Zinc is an essential mineral that supports a wide range of bodily functions and systems, and it is especially important for the health of hair, skin, and nails. A lack of zinc can cause nails to change colour and shape, and can slow down nail growth and increase their fragility. This can lead to various nail conditions, including Beau's lines, leukonychia, and onychorrhexis.
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more fingernails or toenails, indicating that an illness, injury, or skin condition interrupted nail growth. They can be caused by trauma or damage to the nail matrix, such as dropping something heavy on the finger, exposure to extreme cold, or chronic conditions that interfere with blood flow to the nail matrix, such as hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Severe emotional stress can also cause Beau's lines. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
Leukonychia is a condition of white marks on the nails, which can manifest as scattered white spots (leukonychia punctata) or horizontal white lines across the nail bed (leukonychia striata). While the spots are associated with zinc deficiency, the lines are associated with selenium deficiency.
Onychorrhexis, or brittle nails, are usually caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. They can also be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals, such as detergents, cleaning fluids, and nail treatments.
To increase zinc intake, one can include foods rich in zinc in their diet, such as whole grains, poultry, beans, beef, and nuts. However, it is important to note that too much zinc can be harmful, and may result in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and headaches.
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Chronic conditions like diabetes
Diabetes can impact nail health, and changes in the appearance, strength, and growth rate of nails can be a sign of poorly managed blood sugar levels associated with the condition. Specifically, high blood sugar can make the body more prone to fungal infections in the feet and toes, particularly in the area under and around the nails. This can lead to nail discolouration, commonly a yellow hue, and brittleness. Additionally, elevated blood sugar can inhibit nerve growth, including in the fingers and toes, resulting in slower nail growth and shorter nails.
Fingernail ridges, particularly horizontal ones, can be an early indicator of diabetes. Deep horizontal ridges, or Beau's lines, may suggest a more serious underlying condition. While vertical ridges are typically associated with aging, horizontal ridges can indicate malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines, which are linked to diabetes.
It is important to note that nail changes may be a sign of other health issues, including vitamin or mineral deficiencies, skin conditions, or emotional stress. Therefore, if you notice any persistent changes in your nails, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Physical trauma to the nail
Trauma to the nail can result from various physical injuries. For example, dropping a heavy object on the finger or closing a finger in a door or drawer can cause a subungual hematoma, where blood gets trapped under the nail bed. This injury can be very painful and cause throbbing, swelling, and discolouration. In some cases, blood may need to be drained from under the nail to relieve pressure and pain.
Crush injuries to the fingertip are common in children and can cause similar damage to finger and toenails. These injuries can result from a finger being slammed in a door, stepped on, or crushed by a heavy object. They can lead to various issues, such as cuts, scrapes, blood blisters, bruises, and fractures. It is important to treat bone fractures promptly to prevent future problems.
Nail biting and cuticle biting are habits that can also cause trauma to the nails. Nail biting is a common cause of acute paronychia, a bacterial infection that causes swelling and irritation under the tissue at the side of the nail. Additionally, repetitive picking at the thumb nail and cuticle with the index finger can produce a line of horizontal hatch marks in the middle of the nail.
It is important to note that treating the underlying cause of nail trauma will usually allow new, smooth nails to grow again. However, in some cases, severe injuries can lead to deformed nails, especially when the base of the nail bed is damaged.
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Peripheral artery disease
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more fingernails or toenails. They indicate that an illness, injury, or skin condition interrupted nail growth. While Beau's lines are harmless, they can be a sign of an underlying health problem. One of the chronic conditions that can cause Beau's lines is peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, which carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body. PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, or the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. This buildup reduces blood flow, and can lead to gangrene and amputation if left untreated.
The most common type of PAD is lower-extremity PAD, which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. Symptoms of lower-extremity PAD include cramping, fatigue, pain, or discomfort in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. This pain usually goes away after about 10 minutes of rest and returns when the person walks again. Upper-extremity PAD, which affects the arms, hands, and fingers, is less common but still affects about 10% of the population.
People with PAD have a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Certain factors increase the chances of developing PAD, including smoking and high blood pressure. PAD can be diagnosed in a simple, painless way, and some cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. However, early detection is key. If you experience any nail changes, it is important to see a healthcare provider to rule out any possible health conditions.
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Emotional stress
It is important to note that Beau's lines are not a disease in themselves and are generally harmless. However, they indicate that an illness, injury, or stressful event has interrupted your nail growth. Once the underlying cause of stress is addressed and resolved, your nail growth should return to normal, and smooth nails should grow back.
If you notice Beau's lines on your nails and cannot identify the cause, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any potential health concerns. A doctor can examine your nails and conduct the necessary tests to determine if there are any underlying health issues that require attention.
While waiting for your nails to grow out, you can temporarily conceal Beau's lines by applying a nail ridge filler and nail polish. However, it is important to exercise caution when using nail products, as some of them can weaken or damage your nails.
To promote healthy nail growth and reduce the appearance of stress-induced Beau's lines, it is recommended to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Ensuring your body receives the proper nutrition, such as sufficient protein intake, can contribute to stronger and healthier nails. Additionally, managing your stress effectively through self-care practices and stress-reduction techniques may help prevent the recurrence of Beau's lines caused by emotional stress.
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Frequently asked questions
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or dents that appear on one or more fingernails or toenails. They indicate an interruption in nail growth due to an injury, illness, or skin condition.
Beau's lines can be caused by various factors, including physical trauma, extreme cold, manicures or artificial nails, chronic conditions affecting blood flow, nutritional deficiencies, and severe emotional stress.
Treating the underlying cause is essential. For example, managing blood sugar levels for diabetes, addressing nutritional deficiencies, or treating skin conditions like eczema with moisturizers or topical ointments.
If you notice Beau's lines and are unsure of the cause, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any potential health concerns. Fingernail ridges, especially horizontal ones, can indicate underlying conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, or more serious issues.
