Mees' lines

Mees' Lines: Understanding Leukonychia Striata[edit | edit source]

Mees' lines, sometimes known as Aldrich-Mees' lines or simply leukonychia striata, represent a specific type of nail discoloration. These lines manifest as horizontal white bands traversing the nails of both the fingers and the toes.

Illustration of Mees' lines on a fingernail.

Origin and Naming[edit | edit source]

The term "Mees' lines" was coined in honor of Richard Mees, who first described these lines in 1919. They have also been associated with the name Aldrich, leading to the alternate designation as Aldrich-Mees' lines.

Characteristics and Appearance[edit | edit source]

Mees' lines are distinct from other nail abnormalities due to their specific appearance:

Horizontal white bands.
Span the width of the nail.
Consistent spacing between each line.
They do not move or change position as the nail grows.

Causes and Associations[edit | edit source]

Mees' lines have been linked to a variety of conditions and circumstances:

Arsenic poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Chemotherapy
Thallium poisoning
Systemic illnesses
Trauma to the nail matrix

It's imperative to discern that while Mees' lines might hint at an underlying condition, their presence alone is not conclusive. Medical consultation is necessary for proper diagnosis.

File:Nail Disorders Comparison.jpg

Comparison of various nail disorders, including Mees' lines.

Treatment and Prognosis[edit | edit source]

Mees' lines themselves do not require treatment. They eventually grow out with the nail. However, the underlying cause leading to their appearance might necessitate intervention. Once the causative factor is addressed or removed, no new Mees' lines should form.

References[edit | edit source]

Cite error: <ref> tag defined in <references> has no name attribute.

Mees' lines Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.