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What is Beaus Lines?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Rajitha Alluri , Dermatologist
Beau's lines are deep horizontal grooves or ridges that run across the fingernails or toenails. They appear when nail growth is temporarily interrupted due to illness, injury, or stress to the body.
These lines typically begin near the base of the nail and extend outward as the nail grows. They can affect one or several nails and may be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as:
If you notice deep grooves across your nails, especially if they appear on multiple fingers, it's a good idea to see a doctor to find out the cause.
What are the Symptoms of Beau's Lines?
The main symptom of Beau's lines is:
- Horizontal grooves or ridges across one or more nails
- Lines may be shallow or deep, and usually run from side to side (not lengthwise)
- Nails may feel rough or uneven to the touch
- In some cases, nails may become discoloured or brittle
- The lines often appear on multiple nails if caused by a serious illness or fever
These changes happen because nail growth temporarily slows down or stops, often due to illness, stress, or injury. As the nail grows out, the line moves toward the tip. If you see these changes, it's a sign your body may have been under stress recently.
What Types of Illnesses Cause Beau's Lines?
Beau's lines can be caused by various illnesses that temporarily interrupt nail growth. Common examples include:
- Infections with high fever
- Chronic illnesses
- Severe skin conditions
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
What are the Causes of Beau's Lines?
Beau's lines appear when something slows or stops nail growth for a short time. Common causes include:
- Serious illness or high fever (like COVID-19, pneumonia, or flu)
- Major surgery or injury
- Chemotherapy
- Severe stress or trauma
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Zinc or other nutrient deficiencies
- Skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis affecting the nail
- Frostbite or poor blood flow to fingers or toes
If you see Beau's lines on more than one nail, it may point to a health issue that affected your body weeks or months ago. A doctor can help find the cause.
What Types of Injuries Cause Beau's Lines?
Beau's lines can appear after physical injuries that affect the nail's growth centre (called the matrix). These injuries include:
- Hitting or crushing the nail
- Severe nail infections
- Frostbite
- Burns or chemical exposure
- Constant pressure or trauma
When the nail is injured, it temporarily stops growing, and a groove forms. As the nail grows out, this groove becomes visible as a Beau's line.
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Get Second OpinionHow is Beau's Lines Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Beau's lines typically begins with a physical examination. A doctor will look at your nails and ask about:
- When the lines first appeared
- Recent illnesses, injuries, surgeries, or stress
- Medications or chronic health conditions (like diabetes or thyroid problems)
If needed, your doctor may order:
- Blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies, infections, or systemic diseases
- Nail culture if an infection is suspected
- Imaging or specialist referral in rare or unclear cases
The depth and position of the lines can even help estimate when the health problem occurred, since nails grow slowly (about 1 mm every 6-10 days).
Can Beau's lines be harmless?
Yes, Beau's lines can be harmless, especially if they appear on just one nail after a minor injury or temporary illness. In such cases, they often grow out naturally without treatment.
However, if the lines appear on multiple nails, recur frequently, or occur without an apparent reason, they may indicate an underlying health issue and should be evaluated by a doctor.
What are the Treatment Options for Beau's Lines?
Treating Beau's lines focuses on healing the cause and helping nails grow back normally. Here's how:
Medical Treatments
If a health condition caused the lines, your doctor will treat the underlying problem:
- Infections may need antibiotics or antifungals
- Chronic diseases like diabetes or thyroid issues must be managed
- Medication side effects might be addressed by adjusting your prescriptions
Nutritional Interventions
Sometimes, Beau's lines appear due to nutrient deficiencies. Your doctor may suggest:
- Biotin, zinc, or iron supplements
- Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Nail Care and Maintenance
To support healthy nail regrowth:
- Trim nails regularly and keep them clean
- Moisturise nails and cuticles
- Avoid biting nails or using them as tools
- Protect your nails from further injury or harsh chemicals
With time and proper care, Beau's lines grow out naturally as the nail replaces itself. If lines continue to appear, it's essential to investigate your health more thoroughly.
When to See a Doctor for Beau's Lines?
You should see a doctor if:
- Beau's lines appear on multiple nails
- The lines are deep, wide, or keep coming back
- You had a recent illness, high fever, or injury
- You also notice nail discolouration, pain, or infection
- You're worried about an underlying health issue like diabetes or a vitamin deficiency
Early checkups can help find the cause and prevent more nail problems.
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Can you fix Beau's lines?
Beau's lines can often be prevented by taking care of your overall health and nails. Here's how:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially zinc, biotin, calcium, and protein, helps keep your nails strong and healthy. These nutrients support steady nail growth and help prevent interruptions in growth.
Go for Regular Health Checkups
Regular doctor visits can help identify and treat health problems early, such as infections, diabetes, or thyroid issues. Managing these conditions well reduces the risk of Beau's lines forming.
Our Experience with Beau's Lines
At Medicover Hospitals, we've cared for many patients with Beau's lines, often associated with conditions such as fever, infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. Our experienced dermatology and internal medicine teams collaborate to identify the cause and support complete nail recovery.
We focus on treating the underlying issue, improving overall health, and providing patients with nail care tips to promote faster healing. Most of our patients see healthy nail regrowth with consistent care and follow-up.
