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What Causes Transverse Lines On Finger Nails?

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Posted on Sat, 2 May 2015
Question: I am a 69 year old male who has rarely had any illness. I have recently noticed Beau's lines on several fingernails. I have enclosed a photograph of the worst (the middle finger right hand). I am unaware of any other symptoms. Is this a cause for concern and/or further testing?
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Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (36 minutes later)
Brief answer....most likely due to some deficiencies 
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
These beau's lines are transverse ridges on your nail and can occur due to many reasons.
These reasons could be...
Deficiency of calcium,iron zinc,protein etc
Uncontrolled diabetes
Some infections like syphilis or pneumonia etc
Use of drugs like chemotherapy drugs
since you did not have or having any illness,it can be presumed that you may be having some deficiencies and not because of any disease.
I advise you to get tested for deficiencies as listed above,eat well balanced diet and apply some moisturiser or olive oil on your nails.
With growth of nail,these lines would progress distally and ultimately disappear at the free edge.
In my opinion there is nothing to worry.
I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

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What Causes Transverse Lines On Finger Nails?

Brief answer....most likely due to some deficiencies  Detailed answer... Hello, Thanks for the query. I have read your query and understand your concern. These beau's lines are transverse ridges on your nail and can occur due to many reasons. These reasons could be... Deficiency of calcium,iron zinc,protein etc Uncontrolled diabetes Some infections like syphilis or pneumonia etc Use of drugs like chemotherapy drugs since you did not have or having any illness,it can be presumed that you may be having some deficiencies and not because of any disease. I advise you to get tested for deficiencies as listed above,eat well balanced diet and apply some moisturiser or olive oil on your nails. With growth of nail,these lines would progress distally and ultimately disappear at the free edge. In my opinion there is nothing to worry. I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query. Best of luck Thanks