The doctor called the furrows on the nails one of the symptoms of severe stress.

Nails often reflect the state of health, and the problem is not always a lack of vitamins. For example, Bo-Rail lines may appear on the nails. Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia on September 2.

Bo-Rail lines are transverse furrows that occur due to a temporary disruption in the growth of the nail matrix. When the body is faced with severe stress, resources are redirected to vital functions, and nail growth is temporarily suspended. This is what leads to the formation of characteristic depressions.

"The most common causes of Bo lines are severe infections (for example, COVID—19, pneumonia, chickenpox), surgical operations, acute poisoning, chemotherapy, severe nutritional deficiencies or severe emotional stress," Kashukh explained.

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It is quite simple to distinguish Bo lines from other nail plate changes. They are transverse arc-shaped depressions running parallel to the nail hole from one side roller to the other. Unlike fungal lesions, they do not change the color and texture of the nail. In addition, Bo lines appear simultaneously on several nails — this is their difference from the lines that appear due to a finger injury in the nail area.

An integrated approach is required to diagnose the causes of Bo lines. A dermatologist or podiatrist can perform a visual examination using a dermatoscope (a small handheld microscope) to assess the depth and number of furrows. Since the lines reflect events from 2-3 months ago (that's how long it takes for a nail to be completely renewed), it is necessary to analyze the history of diseases and stressful events during this period.

Blood tests may be required to detect hormonal disorders or signs of chronic inflammation, deficiency of macro- and microelements, and vitamins. Bo lines can be associated with a wide range of conditions, from autoimmune diseases (psoriasis, lupus erythematosus) to endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism, diabetes).

"The Bo lines themselves are not dangerous. As the nail grows, they gradually shift to the edge of the finger and disappear after the plate is completely renewed. However, if stress factors continue to affect the body, the furrows may reappear, forming the characteristic wavy surface of the nail," the doctor said.

Bo-Rail lines can serve as a diagnostic guideline for specialists of various profiles — internists, dermatologists, endocrinologists, oncologists. Their sudden appearance on several nails at the same time often indicates the systemic nature of the problem. It is especially important not to ignore the multiple deep furrows that are accompanied by other symptoms: brittle nails, hair loss, and skin deterioration. This may indicate thyroid diseases, autoimmune processes, hypovitaminosis.

On July 30, Alexandra Fileva, an expert at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia that if there are no holes on the nails, it is worth checking the heart. In addition, a similar situation can occur with atherosclerosis, when cholesterol deposits reduce the lumen of blood vessels and make their walls more rigid.

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