This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Muehrcke's lines

Authoring team

  • these are transverse white lines which are related to changes in the nail bed (and thus don't grow out with the nail)
    • transverse white bands parallel to the lunula which usually occur in paired narrow white bands in the nail bed
    • bands will blanch with applied pressure (1)
  • the cause seems to be oedema of the underlying connective tissue
  • most commonly associated with hypoalbuminaemia (e.g. nephrotic syndrome) but may occur after trauma (2)
    • also reported to occur in patients with nephritic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, liver disease, malnutrition states, and after chemotherapy (1)

Reference:

  1. Zaiac MN, Daniel CR. Nails in systemic disease Dermatologic Therapy 2002;15 (2); 99–106.
  2. Arch of Dermatology 1989;125:133.

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.