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People are starting to notice Beau’s Lines on their nails and are questioning whether it could be connected to COVID-19.
COVID-19 has significantly impacted our lives for over a year, leading to the loss of millions and leaving survivors grappling with serious long-term health issues, including lung and heart damage. Each day, we seem to uncover new symptoms or effects related to the virus. Some individuals suggest that a new indicator of having had COVID-19 may be found in their nails.
What Are COVID Nails?
Post-recovery, some COVID survivors have observed distinct changes in their fingernails and even toenails. This phenomenon has been referred to as COVID Nails by epidemiologist Dr. Alex Rivers on social media. The defining feature of COVID Nails is the appearance of horizontal ridges, scientifically known as Beau’s Lines. However, before jumping to conclusions about having contracted COVID, there are important factors to consider.
How Illness Affects Nail Growth
When illness strikes, the body can undergo sudden changes, often affecting the skin, hair, and nails. For instance, children may develop rashes during a strep infection or lose their nails after Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Other viral infections, including COVID, can also lead to temporary or even permanent hair loss. Such reactions are not uncommon. According to Dr. Maria Garcia, an expert in dermatology at the National Institute of Health, any systemic illness can disrupt nail growth, which can be reflected in nail abnormalities, including Beau’s Lines. Essentially, any illness that induces a high fever can trigger these changes, and it can also be a side effect of chemotherapy.
Understanding Beau’s Lines
Beau’s Lines occur due to a temporary halt in nail growth. Nail specialist Dr. Emma Chen from Stanford University explains that instances of Beau’s Lines resulting from COVID are relatively rare. The interruption happens at the nail matrix, and it may take time for the changes to become visible. While the precise reasons for the temporary cessation of nail growth remain unclear, it is generally believed to be a response to bodily stress. If you notice Beau’s Lines, the cause likely occurred at least a month prior. It’s important to understand that these lines are not typically a cause for alarm; they simply indicate that the body has experienced a systemic change, such as a viral infection.
Nail Abnormalities in COVID Patients
Dr. Lisa Montgomery, a dermatologist at Harvard Medical School, mentions that there have been various nail abnormalities observed in COVID patients, including skin discoloration known as pernio, commonly referred to as COVID toes, which can appear beneath the nails. Other observed issues include splinter hemorrhages—small red or purple spots linked to tiny blood clots—and brittle or peeling nails. However, these conditions can also stem from other viral infections or health issues. Can Beau’s Lines definitively indicate a past COVID infection? Dr. Montgomery clarifies that they cannot. The only reliable way to determine if you’ve had COVID is through an antibody test, which is a simple blood draw that usually provides results within three to five days. Additionally, if you’re interested in donating blood through the American Red Cross, they offer free antibody testing.
What to Do If You Have Beau’s Lines
If you find yourself with Beau’s Lines, there isn’t much you need to do. According to Nailpro, nails showing Beau’s Lines should be treated like normal nails. Applying a couple of coats of nude polish can help with the appearance if you’re concerned about aesthetics. The ridges are harmless and will naturally grow out. Fingernails typically grow about 0.1 mm a day, which equates to around 3.47 mm per month. To put that in perspective, an average grain of rice is about 5.5 mm long, meaning it could take about six months for your nails to completely grow out. Patience, it seems, is a necessity during these challenging times.
Further Reading
For further insights on related topics, check out this fascinating post about home insemination. It’s also worthwhile to explore resources on pregnancy and fertility journeys, such as the information provided by Make a Mom.
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Conclusion
In summary, Beau’s Lines have become a topic of interest as people connect these nail changes with potential past COVID-19 infections. While these lines are mostly harmless and indicative of previous systemic changes, they cannot definitively confirm a COVID diagnosis without an antibody test.
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