Extensive exfoliation of skin after strep infection is described. Could it be a similar process for nails- Beau's lines? ----- Original Message ----- From: Christine M. <> To: Peds Talk List <> Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2002 8:02 PM Subject: Losing Fingernails > I was presented today with an interesting dilemma; perhaps some of you have > other thoughts. > > One of my patients is a boy who is approximately 3 years old. He has been > diagnosed with holoprosencephaly, failure to thrive, and global > developmental delay. He suffered a fairly minor case of Streptococcal > Pharyngitis in mid-December, 2001, that responded promptly to antibiotic > administration. > > Today, he presented to clinic with progressive loss of his fingernails. > Specifically, several of the nail have what appear to be Beau's Lines. Of > those nails with lines, many have started to come off at the nail bed. In > fact, a few have come off completely! > > I've never seen this before but understand many things can cause Beau's > lines, among which is included zinc deficiency and severe febrile illness. > I understand some medications can cause the condition, but he's not taking > anything of which I am aware right now. > > Has anyone ever seen this happen after Strep Throat? > > He had a normal Zn level two years ago when we did an extensive work-up to > pursue his FTT. I've gone ahead and requested another Zn level, just to be > sure.... > > Any other thoughts would be appreciated! > > Thanks, > > Christine B. Myers, M.D. > group.