Muehrcke's lines
Last reviewed 01/2018
- 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:
- Zaiac MN, Daniel CR. Nails in systemic disease Dermatologic Therapy 2002;15 (2); 99–106.
- Arch of Dermatology 1989;125:133.