What does horizontal ridges in fingernails mean?
Table of Contents
What does horizontal ridges in fingernails mean?
Beau’s lines are horizontal ridges or dents in one or more of your fingernails or toenails. They’re a sign that an illness, injury or skin condition interrupted your nail growth. Treating the underlying cause will allow new, smooth nails to grow again.
Can horizontal nail ridges be normal?
Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. Vertical ridges are often an indication of aging. Horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or even Beau’s lines.
How do you treat horizontal nail ridges?
Hydrate With Oils If you do notice horizontal ridges on your nails, especially after an illness, Shainhouse recommends giving your nails a little extra TLC for a few months or until they grow out to make sure they don’t crack.
Should you see a doctor for Beau’s lines?
Although Beau’s lines can be associated with some serious health problems, they’re not contagious in any way. Nail techs shouldn’t try to diagnose the problem, stresses McCormick; instead, they should recommend that clients ask their doctor about the nail abnormality if they aren’t already aware of it.
How do you get rid of Beau’s lines?
There’s no specific treatment for Beau’s lines; most often, they grow out on their own. “It’s common to find them, and they’ll go away if the factors affecting the condition are managed,” says Hodges.
How do you get rid of Beau’s lines on your nails?
“Doctors need to see the lines to determine how long ago the matrix was affected and whether the lines could be because of an injury, for example,” says McCormick, who once developed Beau’s lines herself due to a thyroid condition. There’s no specific treatment for Beau’s lines; most often, they grow out on their own.
When should I worry about Beaus lines?
Conditions associated with Beau’s lines include uncontrolled diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, as well as illnesses associated with a high fever, such as scarlet fever, measles, mumps and pneumonia. Beau’s lines can also be a sign of zinc deficiency.
Can Beau’s lines be harmless?
Beau’s lines are horizontal, going across the nailline, and should not be confused with vertical ridges going from the bottom (cuticle) of the nail out to the fingertip. These vertical lines are usually a natural consequence of aging and are harmless.
