transverse ridging of nails
/tɹænzvɝs/ /ʌv/ /neɪlz/
1. [noun] transverse ridges in the nail plate also known as Beau's lines, form as a result of temporary interference of cell division in the proximal nail matrix. It may be caused by trauma raynauds (especially after exposure to cold) Single horizontal line may be due to a short term illness such as a heart attack or measles chemotherapeutic agents systemic illnesses such as myocarditis, peripheral vascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes febrile illnesses – scarlet fever, pneumonia, measels, mumps. The condition is usually self limiting
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Frequently Asked Questions
How are horizontal nail ridges on the toes different from the more common vertical lines noticed with age?
Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, result from a temporary halt in nail matrix cell division, often reflecting a brief systemic stress, unlike vertical ridges which typically occur as a normal aging change.
How might noticing a single horizontal line on a toenail hint at a past brief health stress on the foot?
A single horizontal ridge on a toenail can indicate that nail matrix growth was momentarily interrupted by a short-term illness or physical stress, offering a historical footprint of past systemic events.
How does remembering the term 'Beau's lines' help in understanding changes seen on foot nails?
The term 'Beau's lines' originates from historical observations of transverse nail ridges, making it easier to recall that these lines, when present on toenails, signal a temporary disruption in nail growth.