Published on: 6/20/2025
What do different types of lines in fingernails indicate about my health?
Lines in fingernails can tell us about your health. They might show past illness, injury, or even a health condition.
Explanation
Fingernail lines can be more than just a cosmetic issue; they might reveal important information about your health. Beau's lines, which are horizontal indentations across the nail, often appear after an illness or injury that temporarily stops nail growth. These lines can also be linked to conditions like diabetes or malnutrition.
Mees' lines are white lines that run across the nail and can be a sign of arsenic poisoning or other systemic issues. Muehrcke's lines are pairs of white lines that appear across the nail and may indicate liver or kidney problems.
Vertical lines, or longitudinal ridges, are usually harmless and can be a normal sign of aging, but if they are dark or change in appearance, they should be checked by a healthcare provider.
If you notice new or changing lines in your nails, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
(References)
- Lipner SR, & Scher RK. (2016). Evaluation of nail lines: Color and shape hold clues. Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine, 27168515.
- Braswell MA, Daniel CR 3rd, & Brodell RT. (2015). Beau lines, onychomadesis, and retronychia: A unifying .... Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 26475537.
- Fawcett RS, Linford S, & Stulberg DL. (2004). Nail abnormalities: clues to systemic disease. American family physician, 15053406.
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