Transverse leukonychia with systemic infection.

Transverse white nail bands (leukonychia) have been described in association with systemic illnesses and exposure to toxins, and medications. We describe the occurrence of transverse nail bands in two patients following acute systemic illnesses. In the first case, transverse white nail bands developed in a 30-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-positive man following acute pulmonary tuberculosis. In the second case, transverse white nail bands were noted in an 80-year-old patient following Streptococcus intermedius empyema.