What Are Beau’s Lines? Causes, Symptoms & What They Mean
Beau’s lines are horizontal grooves or indentations that run across your fingernails or toenails. They form when nail growth temporarily slows down or stops due to stress, illness, injury or systemic health issues.
Because nails grow slowly, Beau’s lines act like time stamps of what your body went through weeks or months earlier.
What Beau’s Lines Look Like
You may notice:
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A deep or shallow groove running from one side of the nail to the other
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More than one line on a single nail
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Lines appearing on multiple nails at once
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A ridge that grows out over time
If the line is on all toenails or fingernails, the cause is usually something affecting the whole body rather than an isolated injury.
What Causes Beau’s Lines?
Beau’s lines develop when the nail matrix (the growth centre under the cuticle) is disrupted. Common triggers include:
1. Physical Trauma
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Stubbing your toe
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Ill-fitting shoes
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Slamming a finger in a door
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Sports injuries
2. Illness or Medical Conditions
Anything that stresses the body enough to pause nail growth:
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High fevers
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Severe infections
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COVID-19
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Pneumonia
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Autoimmune conditions
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Low levels of:
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Zinc
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Iron
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Protein
can interrupt nail production.
4. Major Stress Events
Emotional or physiological stress can slow nail growth, creating visible lines.
5. Chemotherapy or Certain Medications
Some treatments suppress cell production—including in your nails.
How Long Do Beau’s Lines Last?
Because toenails grow slowly (around 1.5 mm per month), Beau’s lines can remain visible for 6–12 months until they fully grow out.
Fingernails grow faster, so lines usually disappear sooner—around 4–6 months.
We are independent prescribers able to prescribe any medication from the BNF relevant to the lower limb, foot and ankle.
Are you suffering from any nail condition? At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help. One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000.
We hope you have a feetastic day!
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
