On my big toes I have horizontal grooves running across the nail, they’re not Beau’s lines, but it’s as if someone has crimped my toe nail. It doesn’t hurt but it is noticeable because the light reflects differently to reveal the lines. Just wondering what causes these and what it may say about my health?
Thanks.
I can’t really tell the difference between the grooves you describe and Wikipedia’s description of Beau’s lines, except that Wiki doesn’t mention toenails, just fingernails, but I think it applies to both. Also the picture Wiki links seems to be a much more extreme case than anything I’ve had myself (except maybe for that time I jammed the heck out of my thumbnail).
Anyway, as your nails grow, their thickness varies depending on variations in your diet, stress level, activity, diseases, etc. For example, I’ve read that American WWII submariners developed distinct nail ridges reflecting their patrol cycle (something like six weeks patrol, six weeks ashore). For me the effect is visible more often in toenails, perhaps because of circulation differences.
If you can’t think of any significant changes in your life over the last few months, (job, diet, vacation, exercise program, etc.–almost anything), you might mention the grooves at your next doctor’s visit. I’m not a doctor myself, but I don’t think the grooves by themselves are anything to worry about in the meantime.