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Individuals are starting to observe Beau’s Lines on their nails and are questioning whether it might be linked to COVID-19.
COVID-19 has significantly impacted our lives for over a year, claiming millions of lives globally. Survivors are encountering severe long-term health issues, including damage to the lungs and heart. New symptoms and after-effects seem to emerge daily, and the virus is notoriously tricky, with many individuals infected but showing no signs. Recently, some have proposed that a new way to indicate a prior COVID infection could be found in one’s nails.
What Are COVID Nails?
Post-COVID, some survivors have reported noticeable changes in their fingernails and, at times, their toenails. This phenomenon, referred to as COVID Nails by U.K.-based epidemiologist Dr. Mark Evans, is characterized by horizontal ridges on the nails, scientifically recognized as Beau’s Lines. However, it’s essential to understand more before jumping to conclusions about your health.
The Body’s Response to Illness
When a person falls ill, their body may undergo sudden changes, often visible in their skin, hair, and nails. For instance, children may develop rashes during a strep infection or lose nails following Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Other viruses, including COVID-19, can lead to temporary or even permanent hair loss. These reactions are typical. Beau’s Lines are one such bodily response.
“Any systemic disease can disrupt nail growth, leading to visible abnormalities,” explains Dr. Lisa Morgan, a health expert at the State University Medical Center. Typically, any illness that induces a high fever can result in Beau’s Lines. Such lines can also appear as a consequence of chemotherapy.
How Beau’s Lines Develop
Beau’s Lines develop after a temporary halt in nail growth. Dr. Anna Lee, a nail care specialist at City Hospital, noted that while cases of Beau’s Lines related to COVID are uncommon, they occur due to an interruption at the nail matrix, which may take time to manifest visibly. Although the precise reason nails stop growing temporarily is unclear, it is generally attributed to bodily shock. If you notice ridges from Beau’s Lines, the underlying cause likely occurred at least a month prior. These lines are not typically a cause for concern, as they usually are not permanent and indicate some systemic change, such as illness.
Nail Abnormalities in COVID Patients
Dr. Rachel Thompson, an expert in dermatology at Community Health Center, reported various nail abnormalities in COVID patients, including discoloration beneath the nails, commonly known as COVID toes, and splinter hemorrhages, which appear as small red or purple spots linked to tiny blood clots. Furthermore, brittle and peeling nails have also been observed. However, these conditions can result from other viral infections as well. So, can Beau’s Lines definitively indicate past COVID infection? Dr. Thompson asserts that they cannot. The only reliable method to confirm a previous COVID infection is through an antibody test, which typically yields results within three to five days. Additionally, if you donate blood via the American Red Cross, they will conduct an antibody test for free.
What to Do If You Notice Beau’s Lines
So, if you notice Beau’s Lines or COVID nails, what should you do? There’s not much that can be done. Nail care experts recommend treating nails with Beau’s Lines like regular nails and suggest applying a few coats of nude polish to minimize their appearance if you are concerned about looks. The ridges are harmless and will naturally grow out. According to Healthline, fingernails grow about a tenth of a millimeter per day, which equates to roughly 3.47 mm monthly. Given this growth rate, it may take around six months for your nails to completely grow out—a reminder that patience is essential during these trying times.
Further Reading
For more insights, check out one of our other blog posts on home insemination here and explore further about artificial insemination kits here. For a comprehensive understanding of pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
Related Topics
If you’re curious about related topics, consider these search queries: What are Beau’s Lines?, Symptoms of COVID-19, How to care for nails post-illness, Nail health and COVID-19, and Understanding nail changes after infection.
Conclusion
In summary, the emergence of Beau’s Lines after a COVID infection indicates a systemic change in the body but is not a definitive sign of having had the virus. While they are typically harmless and temporary, consulting a healthcare professional for any concerns is always wise.
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