Does beau's lines cause ridged nails?

Beau's lines are transverse grooves or dents that run across a nail from side to side. They form when nail production at the growth area is temporarily slowed or interrupted. Because nails grow gradually, the groove may become visible later and then move toward the tip as the nail grows. A line can affect one nail or several, depending on whether the trigger was local pressure or affected the body more broadly.

Look at all fingernails and toenails and note whether the grooves are horizontal, vertical, tender, discoloured, or lifting. Protect nails from biting, picking, harsh manicures, and repeated wet work. Keep them trimmed and moisturise the surrounding skin. Do not file deeply into a groove. A clinician can review the pattern, timing, medicines, recent illness, injury, or skin inflammation that may have interrupted nail growth.

Arrange a review if grooves affect many nails, recur, cause pain, or occur with swelling, colour change, nail lifting, or changes in the skin around the nail. Seek earlier advice when a nail change follows a significant injury or is accompanied by feeling generally unwell.

Ask whether the groove pattern fits Beau's lines, what event may have interrupted growth, whether any medicine or illness is relevant, and how to protect the nail while normal growth continues.