The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on the world, and while many of its effects are well-documented, there is still much to be learned about its impact on the human body. One lesser-known consequence of COVID-19 is its ability to cause skin and nail changes in some individuals. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as COVID nails, a term used to describe the various nail abnormalities that may appear after having the virus.
Types of COVID Nails
COVID nails can manifest in a range of ways, including:
- Beau’s lines
- Red half-moons
- Onycholysis
- Orange nail discolorations
- Mees’ lines
Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics, and understanding their causes and symptoms can help individuals better navigate the complex landscape of COVID-19.
Beau’s Lines
Beau’s lines are horizontal grooves or dents that form on one or more of your nails. When COVID temporarily disrupts the growth of the nail matrix, the area where your nails start to grow, this may lead to Beau’s lines forming. These lines can appear anywhere from days to weeks after exposure to the virus or getting the vaccine, and symptoms resolve within a few months. Beau’s lines can also be caused by other factors, such as nail injuries, chemotherapy, and nutrient deficiencies.
Red Half-Moons
Red half-moons appear as red crescent-shaped bands that form around the margin of the lunula, which is the white half-moon shape that naturally appears at the base of your nail. Red half-moons from having COVID may appear on all of your fingernails and can form in as little as two days after contracting the infection. This type of COVID-related nail condition may occur when tiny blood vessels break under your nails, causing an inflammatory immune response.
Nail Discoloration
Discoloration of the nail plate is medically known as chromonychia. Chromonychia from COVID can appear as red or orange lesions, a sign of damaged tissue, going across the nail, also known as transverse orange nail lesions. After having COVID, transverse orange nail lesions may form near the ends of nails, sometimes weeks after first experiencing other COVID symptoms. Typically, the end of the nail plate will appear orange with a distinct straight line separating the area of discoloration from the healthy portion of the nail bed.
Onycholysis
Severe COVID can sometimes cause a condition known as onycholysis. This is when the nail becomes separated from the nail bed, usually starting at the tip of the nail. Onycholysis is usually painless and may appear several months after having COVID. Outside of COVID, you can develop onycholysis from getting manicures, fungal infections, and psoriasis.
Mees’ Lines
Mees’ lines appear as horizontal white lines that run across the width of your fingernails or toenails. Mees’ lines are medically known as transverse leukonychia. Transverse describes something that is lying across, and leukonychia is a term for white discoloration of the nail. Mees’ lines take about three to six weeks to develop. These lines are temporary and will grow out over time as the nail grows. You may experience Mees’ lines if you have COVID or conditions like acute kidney failure, heart failure, ulcerative colitis, and certain cancers. More research is needed to fully understand the connection between Mees’ lines and COVID.
What Causes COVID Nails?
COVID nails results from a severe immune system response, affecting your vascular system when you have COVID. The vascular system is a network of blood vessels that travel through the body. Your body’s immune response to COVID can trigger inflammation. This can compromise the health of blood vessels in the vascular system, stopping the supply of nutrients that support nail health and growth.
How Long Do COVID Nails Last?
Symptoms of COVID nails can take a few days to several months to develop after having COVID or getting the vaccine. They’re not permanent and will grow out with the nail. This can take up to six months for fingernails and 12-18 months for toenails. When To See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider if COVID nails don’t improve on their own as the nails grow out. This could be a sign of a different health condition. Sometimes, a fungal or bacterial infection can occur in the nails. A fungus or yeast can alter the shape, color, and texture of the nails. Bacterial infections can also cause changes in nail color or painful spots of infection in the nail or surrounding skin. If left untreated, bacterial infections can cause nail loss. If you experience symptoms of COVID nails that don’t go away or symptoms of a fungal or bacterial infection, visit your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. A Quick Review
COVID nails are nail changes that may develop after having COVID or getting the COVID vaccine. Types of COVID nails include Mees’ lines, Beau’s lines, and red half-moons. In conclusion, COVID nails are a fascinating and complex phenomenon that can provide valuable insights into the human body’s response to infection. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of COVID nails, individuals can better navigate the challenges of living with COVID-19 and take proactive steps to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Definitions
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: horizontal grooves or dents that form on one or more of your nails
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: red crescent-shaped bands that form around the margin of the lunula
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: the nail becomes separated from the nail bed
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: horizontal white lines that run across the width of your fingernails or toenails
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: discoloration of the nail plate, medically known as chromonychia
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: a term for white discoloration of the nail
Key Points
• COVID nails can manifest in various ways, including Beau’s lines, red half-moons, onycholysis, and orange nail discolorations
• COVID nails are usually temporary and resolve on their own as the nails grow out
• Certain conditions, such as acute kidney failure and heart failure, can cause Mees’ lines
• Fungal and bacterial infections can occur in the nails, leading to changes in nail color or texture
• It is essential to seek medical attention if COVID nails persist or are accompanied by symptoms of infection
References
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| Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 |
| Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology | British Journal of Dermatology | Journal of Investigative Dermatology |
Additional Resources
• World Health Organization: COVID-19 and Skin and Nail Changes
• American Academy of Dermatology: COVID-19 and Skin and Nail Changes
• National Institute of Health: COVID-19 and Skin and Nail Changes