Published on: 6/20/2025
Are red lines under nails indicative of any specific health condition?
Red lines under nails, known as erythronychia, can be a sign of various health issues, including nail trauma or more serious conditions. It's important to have them checked by a healthcare provider if they appear suddenly or change over time.
Explanation
Red lines under nails, referred to as erythronychia, can appear as either horizontal or vertical lines. They may occur due to trauma to the nail or be related to underlying health conditions.
Causes:
- Trauma: Injury to the nail can cause red lines.
- Health Conditions: In some cases, these lines may indicate problems like infections or other systemic diseases.
Types:
- Horizontal Lines: These can occur from repeated trauma or pressure on the nails.
- Vertical Lines: Known as longitudinal erythronychia, they may appear due to more serious conditions and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
If you notice red lines under your nails, especially if they appear suddenly or change, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate action.
(References)
- Chang C, Beutler BD, & Cohen PR. (2017). Report of a Patient with Multiple Horizontal Red Bands .... Dermatology and therapy, 28260214.
- Cohen PR. (2011). Longitudinal erythronychia: individual or multiple linear red .... American journal of clinical dermatology, 21668031.
- Lipner SR, & Scher RK. (2016). Evaluation of nail lines: Color and shape hold clues. Cleveland Clinic journal of medicine, 27168515.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.