Beau lines

Beau's lines are horizontal, going across the nail, and should not be confused with vertical ridges going from the base (cuticle) of the nail out to the fingertip. These vertical lines are usually a natural consequence of aging and are harmless. Beau's lines are based on the width or depth of the depression, can indicate the duration and severity of illness.

Causes

Beau's lines are caused by a temporary cessation of cell division in the nail matrix. This can be caused by several conditions, including systemic illness, trauma to the nail, and certain drugs. Some other reasons for these lines include trauma, coronary occlusion, hypocalcaemia, and skin disease. They may be a sign of systemic disease, or may also be caused by an illness of the body, as well as drugs used in chemotherapy, or malnutrition.

Diagnosis

Beau's lines can be a sign of malnutrition, metabolic conditions, infection, or trauma. In the instance where Beau's lines are caused by systemic disease, the disease must be controlled to reduce the symptoms. A doctor can diagnose Beau's lines through physical examination by looking at the changes in the nail. The nail has several parts including the nail plate, nail bed, cuticle, nail folds, lunula, and the matrix. The matrix is where the nail is formed.

Treatment

The treatment for Beau's lines is to resolve the underlying cause. They will then grow out over time. The lines will disappear when the nail grows out. A new nail will begin to grow at the base (cuticle) and push the old nail out. Nails grow at different rates depending on a variety of factors including the age and sex of the individual and the time of year. Fingernails generally grow out completely in about six months.

See also

• Nail anatomy
• Nail disease
• List of cutaneous conditions