Isla Bennett
Horizontal ridges in your nails, also known as Beau's lines, can be caused by a number of factors, including malnutrition, injury, infection, or an underlying medical condition. While they are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate a more serious issue. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of horizontal ridges in nails and discuss when to seek medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Malnutrition, serious nail injury, Beau's lines |
| Associated medical conditions | Psoriasis, diabetes, thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, peripheral vascular disease |
| Associated factors | Ageing, nutrient deficiencies, injury, infection |
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What You'll Learn
Horizontal nail ridges are often called Beau's lines
The horizontal line forms from this temporary lack of growth and then moves up the nail as the nail grows. In severe cases, Beau's lines can lead to the separation of the nail plate and the shedding of the nail, referred to as onychomadesis.
Beau's lines can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods
- Injury to your nail, like slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot
- Peripheral vascular disease (PAD)
- Severe illness with high fever, such as COVID-19, measles or pneumonia
- Malnutrition
- Psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
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Beau's lines are associated with a medical condition
Horizontal ridges in your nails, also known as Beau's lines, are more likely to be associated with a medical condition. Beau's lines are caused by a temporary disruption in nail growth. This can be due to a current or previous injury, infection, or medical condition. For example, Beau's lines can be caused by peripheral vascular disease (PAD), thyroid disease, diabetes, or severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia. In some cases, Beau's lines can also be caused by malnutrition or damage from using artificial nails or getting gel manicures for long periods.
Beau's lines involve one or more horizontal band-like depressions affecting one or multiple nails. The horizontal line forms from the temporary lack of growth and then moves up the nail as the nail grows. In severe cases, Beau's lines can lead to the separation of the nail plate and the shedding of the nail, known as onychomadesis.
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Beau's lines can be caused by an injury
Horizontal ridges in your nails, also known as Beau's lines, can be caused by an injury. Beau's lines are horizontal band-like depressions that affect one or multiple nails. They occur when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing, which can be caused by a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition.
Injury to the nail, such as slamming your finger in a door or dropping something on your foot, can cause Beau's lines. Beau's lines can also be caused by peripheral vascular disease (PAD) or a severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia.
In some cases, Beau's lines can lead to the separation of the nail plate and the shedding of the nail, referred to as onychomadesis. It is important to identify the underlying cause of Beau's lines to treat them effectively.
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Beau's lines can be caused by an infection
Horizontal ridges in your nails, also known as Beau's lines, can be caused by an infection. Beau's lines are band-like depressions that affect one or multiple nails. They occur when the nail temporarily stops growing, which can be caused by an injury, infection, or medical condition.
Infections that can cause Beau's lines include peripheral vascular disease (PAD) and severe illnesses with high fevers, such as COVID-19, measles, or pneumonia. Other medical conditions associated with Beau's lines include thyroid disease, psoriasis, and diabetes.
Beau's lines can also be caused by non-infectious factors, such as malnutrition, nail injury, or the use of artificial or acrylic nails. In some cases, they may be a sign of aging or nutrient deficiencies.
It is important to note that while Beau's lines are usually harmless, they can lead to nail separation and shedding in severe cases, known as onychomadesis. Therefore, if you notice persistent or concerning horizontal ridges in your nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to identify and address any underlying causes.
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Beau's lines can be caused by a severe illness
Horizontal ridges in your nails are called Beau's lines. They can be caused by a severe illness, such as COVID-19, measles or pneumonia, which can cause a temporary disruption of nail growth. Beau's lines can also be caused by peripheral vascular disease (PAD), injury to your nail, chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails or getting gel manicures for long periods, or hypothyroidism. Beau's lines happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing. They can be an indication of a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition. These factors cause a temporary disruption of nail growth. The horizontal line forms from this temporary lack of growth and then moves up the nail as the nail grows. In severe cases, Beau's lines can lead to the separation of the nail plate and the shedding of the nail, referred to as onychomadesis.
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Frequently asked questions
Horizontal ridges in your nails can be harmless, but they can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as Beau's lines, malnutrition, or a serious nail injury.
Beau's lines are horizontal ridges that run from one side of the nail to the other. They happen when the nail temporarily slows or stops growing, and can be an indication of a current or prior injury, infection, or medical condition.
Possible causes of Beau's lines include chemotherapy, damage from using artificial or acrylic nails, injury to the nail, peripheral vascular disease (PAD), or a severe illness with a high fever, such as COVID-19, measles or pneumonia.
