
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations that run across the fingernails or toenails. They indicate an interruption in nail growth, often due to illness, injury or other underlying factors. The lines were named after French physician Joseph Honoré Simon Beau, who first described them in 1846.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Horizontal indentations or ridges across fingernails or toenails |
| Deep grooved lines that run from side to side | |
| May have a yellowish tint | |
| Cause | Interruption in nail growth |
| Illness, injury, or other underlying factors | |
| Chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease | |
| Acute events like heart attacks | |
| Medications, including chemotherapy | |
| Dietary factors | |
| Treatment | Consult a healthcare provider to identify the cause and determine the best course of action |
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What You'll Learn
- Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations across the nail
- They indicate an interruption in nail growth
- They can be caused by illness, injury or other underlying factors
- The width of the line may provide clues about the cause
- They are named after a French physician, Joseph Honoré Simon Beau, who first described them in 1846

Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations across the nail
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations that form across the nail when nail growth is temporarily disrupted. They can appear on both fingernails and toenails. They are often a sign of an underlying condition, such as an illness, injury, or skin condition, and can be linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease. The width of the line may provide clues about the cause. Beau's lines are named after the French physician Joseph Honoré Simon Beau (1806-1865), who first described them in 1846. They should not be confused with vertical ridges, which are usually a natural consequence of ageing and are harmless. If you notice Beau's lines, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause and determine the best course of action. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
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They indicate an interruption in nail growth
Beau's lines are horizontal grooves or depressions that run parallel to the nail bed. They are named after the French doctor Joseph Beau, who first identified the condition in 1846.
The lines may show up on one or more nails, and their severity can range from barely perceptible to extremely severe. They are usually more visible on the thumbnail. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
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They can be caused by illness, injury or other underlying factors
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations that run from side to side on the fingernail or toenail. They are a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition has interrupted nail growth.
The lines can be caused by a range of factors, from chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease, to acute events like heart attacks. They can also be caused by medications, including chemotherapy, and dietary factors. Beau's lines can also be the result of a severe illness or trauma to the affected digit. For example, a patient with Beau's lines in multiple fingernails had a severe bout of the flu several months previously.
The width of the line may provide clues about the cause. If you notice Beau's lines, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to identify the cause and determine the best course of action. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
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The width of the line may provide clues about the cause
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations that run across the fingernails or toenails. They indicate an interruption in nail growth, which is often due to an injury, illness, or other underlying factors. The width of the line may provide clues about the cause. For instance, Beau's lines in multiple fingernails are usually due to a recent illness, such as a severe bout of the flu. On the other hand, a Beau's line in a single fingernail is typically a sign of trauma that occurred only to the affected digit. While the exact reasons for Beau's lines aren't fully understood, they have been linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease, as well as acute events like heart attacks. Medications, including chemotherapy, and dietary factors may also play a role. If you notice Beau's lines, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
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They are named after a French physician, Joseph Honoré Simon Beau, who first described them in 1846
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations that run from side to side on the fingernail or toenail. They are named after a French physician, Joseph Honoré Simon Beau (1806-1865), who first described them in 1846. Beau's lines are not to be confused with the vertical lines that are a natural consequence of ageing. They are caused by an interruption in nail growth, often due to illness, injury, or other underlying factors. The width of the line may provide clues about the cause. While the exact reasons for Beau's lines aren't fully understood, they have been linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease, as well as acute events like heart attacks. Medications, including chemotherapy, and dietary factors may also play a role.
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Frequently asked questions
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges or indentations that run across the fingernails or toenails. They may have a yellowish tint.
Beau's lines are caused by an interruption in nail growth, often due to illness, injury, or other underlying factors.
Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again. If you notice Beau's lines, consult a healthcare provider to identify the cause and determine the best course of action.
Beau's lines are deep grooves that run from side to side on the nail. They may look like indentations or ridges in the nail plate.
Vertical ridges on the nails are usually a natural consequence of aging and are harmless. Beau's lines, on the other hand, are horizontal and indicate an interruption in nail growth.











































