What do horizontal ridges on toenails 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.

Are horizontal nail ridges cause for concern?

These ridges are typically no cause for concern. Horizontal ridges run from side to side on your nails and are often referred to as Beau’s lines. Horizontal ridges can be caused by trauma to the nail and may be deep or discolored. The can also indicate malnutrition, psoriasis or a thyroid problem.

Do Beau’s lines go away?

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.

Should I be worried about Beau’s 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.

When should I worry about Beau’s lines?

Is Beaus lines serious?

Deep horizontal ridges, called Beau’s lines, are often symptoms of a serious condition, according to 2018 research . They may actually stop nail growth until the underlying condition is treated. Acute kidney disease may also be present if Beau’s lines appear.

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.

What do horizontal toenail ridges mean?

On the other hand, the formation of horizontal toenail ridges, also known as Beau’s lines, might be a sign that something is wrong. Here’s some more information on what these ridges are, and what they could mean.

What are ridges on fingernails?

Nail ridges are lines that can run either vertically or horizontally on your nails. You can see and feel these ridges. Usually, these ridges are elevated, but sometimes they can also leave indentations. Nails are made of keratin, a protein in the hair and the skin’s epidermis (outer layer).

Do you have horizontal lines on your fingernails and horizontal ridges?

Do you have horizontal lines on your fingernails and horizontal ridges on your toenails? They may look like horizontal bumps on your fingernails, grooves, horizontal lines or ripples or bumpy nails. You may or may not have the same horizontal ridges on toenails left or right.

Why do I have horizontal lines on my toenails?

Patients with heart disease and thyroid disorder also have horizontal ridges on their toenail. If such horizontal ridges develop suddenly on toenails it is time to consult a physician. Beau’s lines are deep horizontal grooves on toenails.