Beau’s lines

Beau’s lines are horizontal grooves in the nail plate that represent an arrest or slow-down in the growth of the nail matrix. A severe medical event such as surgery, allergic reaction to medication or serious trauma to the system can trigger Beau’s lines. The depth and width of the line speak to the abruptness and duration of the event. Beau’s lines move distally as the nail grows over time (Figure 6).