If you are experiencing swelling or pain around the nails. Please note that medical information found If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Conversely, the nails of individuals with onychorrhexis often have deeper ridges that can feel rough to the touch. Eating a varied and healthful diet may be a positive step towards providing the body with the fuel it needs to create strong, healthy nails and prevent fingernail ridges. The nails themselves may also: The nails may also start forming any number of vertical ridges as they grow. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Anemia can cause vertical ridges to appear and may. A certain number of lines. Ridges in fingernails are usually harmless. Here are a few of the most commonly seen disorders: 1. The main symptom of onychorrhexis is vertical ridges in your nail. & Arora, R. (2015, MarchApril). Bottom Line, Inc. publishes the opinions of expert authorities in many fields These opinions are for educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as either individual advice or as a substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services intended to suit your specific personal needs. How does the appearance of nails reflect health? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. When there are changes in the shape of your nails, such as nail curling. You can tell a lot about your own personal health by the condition of your nail beds more than you probably think you can. Slide show: 7 fingernail problems not to ignore, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Vertical ridges are furrows that run from the tip of your fingernail down to the cuticle. Our nails naturally develop slight vertical ridges as we age. As you get older, your nails can naturally become ridged, dry, brittle, or thick. Nail Pitting. You may need treatment to clear an infection. Psoriasis. In cases whereby the fungal infection is accompanied by many other symptoms such as dents on nails, your doctor may recommend antifungal injections. Nail trauma. We look at home remedies and dietary tips, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Thank you! Evaluation of nail lines: Color and shape hold clues. When there are changes in color, like discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nails. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Krones Profile and History. Topical exposure to drugs can cause dyschromias and irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. These horizontal lines or ridges are called " Beau's lines ," named after the French physician Joseph Honor Simon Beau who first described and researched these grooves in 1846. To deal with Reiter syndrome, medications that prevent secondary infections such as antibiotics and medications that suppress the response of the immune system like cyclosporine can be prescribed by your doctor. If your fingernails curve inwards like spoons (koilonychia), you may have one of the following disorders: iron-deficiency anaemia; haemochromatosis - where the body retains too much iron; Raynaud's phenomenon; lupus erythematosus - a rare condition where the immune system attacks the body's cells, tissues and organs; Pitting or dents on the . Vertical ridges in fingernails are quite common and are not a sign of any health problem. Nail plate grooves also referred to as beau lines, are commonly identified in clinical settings. Learn more about why ridges in fingernails appear and what they can mean. Concave, Spoon-Shaped Nails. Reduce the use of nail polishes that contain high contents of harsh chemicals. Spoon nails can be caused by iron-deficiency anemia, heart disease or an underactive thyroid. Yellow nails or cuticles. While slight vertical ridges are rarely cause for concern, there are cases when ridges can indicate an underlying health condition or issue. Healthcare practitioners may help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions causing the fingernail ridges. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Have IBD and Insomnia? References Pitting is the presence of small depressions on the nail surface. The dents in the nails can be shallow or deep. Your fingernails could have ridges for many reasons, ranging from stress to kidney and thyroid disease. These ridges are often accompanied by brittle nails prone to splitting and leaving behind jagged edges. Bumps and vertical fingernail ridges, you may be prone to developing arthritis. other information we have about you. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Krones's Profile, Revenue and Employees. Singal A, et al. Alongside those ridges, you may also notice that your nails become either thicker or thinner, lose their smoothness and begin to split or break more easily. If you discover horizontal ridges on your fingernails, consider any recent . Jump to: . Fingernail disorders are not only an embarrassment; they may also indicate that something more serious is wrong with your health. Repeated Beaus lines could be a sign that you have a condition that keeps interrupting your nail growth. (2017). Your submission has been received! This can affect your nails. Thyroid Disease: A Checklist of Skin, Hair, and Nail Changes. (2020). Rheumatology diseases. Fingernail ridges that appear suddenly or appear with any other symptoms should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Neha is a digital marketing professional based in Gurugram, India. Phenotype-tailored lifestyle interventions show promising weight loss results in obese adults, The virological characteristics of XBB.1.16, Study develops a novel intranasal influenza virus-vectored vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, Poor carbohydrate quality drives diet-attributable type 2 diabetes globally, Study uncovers a novel fold within the SARS-CoV-2 replication co-factor non-structural protein 9. A healthy nail will appear pink in color and will be free of imperfections (such as ridges). They can also appear as raised areas that extend across the nail. To get rid of thyroid problems, your doctor will administer thyroid hormones in your body to restore hormonal balance. But seeing your provider as recommended can help. When caused by not enough vitamin intake, it can be classified as aprimary deficiency, whereas when due to an underlying disorder such asmalabsorption, it is called asecondary deficiency. Krones is a Germany-based company that develops and manufactures products including filling machines and stretch blow molders for the food and beverage industry. There could be a variety of explanations for the indentations in your fingernails. Koilonychia (spoon nails). Yellow and discolored nails can represent a respiratory condition such as chronic bronchitis. To get rid of alopecia areata, your doctor can consider prescribing, topical immunotherapy, and creams with corticosteroids. Vertical. Antibiotics are also very powerful in getting rid of this condition, as they help to prevent secondary infection. Raynauds phenomenon is a disorder resulting from a series of discolorations of the fingers or toes after exposure to cold temperatures. However, as indicated above, horizontal dents are often a sign of an underlying medical infection that requires examination and treatment. However, its recommended to stick with moisturizing your nails, keeping them trimmed, and checking with a dermatologist for further consideration. The nail is firmly attached to the nail bed, which is located directly beneath the nail. Learn how we can help. Incontinentia pigmenti, though uncommon, is a genetic disorder that arises as a result of mutations within the genes, especially IKBKG genes. Trim your fingernails with a curved shape and your toenails straight across. Dents and ridges in fingernails also occur in alopecia areata. Beaus lines are nail ridges that run horizontally across the fingernail. . Debra Jaliman, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine atMount Sinai,and dermatologist in private practice, both in New York City. Moiz B. Nail diseases. Vertical ridges in the fingernails are the most common and are typically harmless. Its usually a sign of an underlying condition. Eat foods that are rich in minerals and protein. Beau's lines are horizontal (transverse) depressions in the nail plate that run parallel to the shape of the white, moon-shaped portion of the nail bed (lunula . 6.1k views Reviewed >2 years ago. Digestive disorders that affect the absorption of nutrients may also influence the nails. Injury to your nails, picking at your nails, or strong chemicals can damage your nail matrix, affecting how your nails grow.. If we combine this information with your protected Other underlying medical disorders that can cause vertical ridges to appear on the nail include: Practicing preventative measures is the surest way of keeping your nails free from dents, lines, ridges, and other disorders, causing nail problems. Horizontal ridges in nails . Lee DK, et al. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The official term for these spots is leukonychia, derived from the Greek words leuko ("white") and nychia ("nails"). Mathur, Neha. According to the 2015 research mentioned earlier, when Beaus lines develop on all 20 nails, it could be a symptom of: Chemotherapy may also cause Beaus lines. Long-term inflammation of the nail matrix can lead to a crumbly appearance. The nail is attached to the nail bed and sits on top of it. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The symptoms of Reiter syndrome are more severe in males in comparison to females. You might have other symptoms that indicate a fungal infection or more serious condition. 6th ed. Tos, P., Titolo, P., Chirila, N. L., Catalano, F., & Artiaco, S. (2012, June). This condition is sometimes accompanied by pain and inflammation. Changes in the nails and nail bed may be caused by various health conditions, including vertical lines (ridges) in the nails and nailbeds. Grey White Nail Tip Nail lines are a common presenting finding. Eczema may also cause ridges and discoloration in the nail along with other symptoms on the skin. Try the following simple steps to prevent the development of dents in your fingernails. Is longitudinal ridging indicative of a health issue? In some cases, ridges may be a sign of health problems like vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. Redness and swelling around one or more of your nails. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Diseases that affect the joints and cause deformities can cause problems with your nails. In addition, certain infections such as measles, systemic lupus erythematosus, and tuberculosis may also cause Mees lines to develop. Skin conditions such as psoriasis or a fungal infection can sometimes cause small dents or pits in fingernails. Dont bite your fingernails or cut your cuticles. Just as the skin may show signs of aging, the fingernails and nail beds may also start to change with age. Treatment for skin conditions like eczema may include moisturizers for your hands or topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms. analyse site usage and support us in providing free open access scientific content. Horizontal dents in nails run across the fingernail from one side to another and can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. One common change is the appearance of vertical or horizontal ridges. Now keep in mind, nail ridges dont always signal a larger problem, though. There is a problem with In doing so, the cells controlling fingernail creation may be healed, which would help the ridges disappear. The production of this new keratin pushes out older cells, thus causing the nail to grow forward. Longitudinal erythronychia Problems in making skin cells and a skin protein called keratin can change how your nails grow, leading to onychorrhexis., Most of the time, onychorrhexis isnt concerning and is thought to be a cosmetic problem. Apart from developing skin lesions, psoriasis can also result in development of Dents and ridges in fingernails. As we get older, our nails lose their ability to retain moisture and this can lead to vertical ridges appearing on one or all of the nails. Apparent leukonychia 2022. Nearly 50% of true leukonychia cases arise due to fungal infections, which present as dense, uneven, and white or yellow longitudinal lines on the nail plate. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. it can also be treated by eating a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals or avoiding factors that cause skin inflammation, flare-ups, and dryness. This content does not have an Arabic version. True leukonychia When fingernail ridges develop as a result of a person aging, they are harmless. She has a Masters degree from the University of Rajasthan with a specialization in Biotechnology in 2008. Surgical treatment of acute fingernail injuries. This is a normal part of the aging process. Mole RJ, et al. The symptoms of this syndrome include swelling and pain in the joints, inflammation of the urinary tract, and eyes. Nails with ridges. There are a few reasons for having thick nails but they are commonly caused a fungal nail infection, but can also result from psoriasis and reactive arthritis (a painful form of inflammatory arthritis). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. A deficiency of vitamin B-12 or iron can often result in nail ridges or dents. When the body suffers atrauma internally or externally there is often evidence of thetraumaon thenails. Regularly use a moisturizer on your fingernails and cuticles. Beau's lines are deep grooved lines that run from side to side on the fingernail or the toenail. If there are some bleeding and small blood clots around the nail bed. Ridges in your nails are usually harmless but can mean different things. There could be splinter hemorrhages or pigment changes that go into your cuticle called Hutchinson sign. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report: Mathur, Neha. Owned and operated by AZoNetwork, 2000-2023. These include: Onychorrhexis isn't generally something to be worried about. Habits like cuticle or/and nail-biting may also affect the healthy growth of nails. The nails are immediately affected when the body is fighting an infection or facing a nutritional deficiency, as the capillaries feeding the nail bed tend to pass infected blood to the nails. And if your nail ridges arent due to a health condition or deficiency, home nail care may help. Take a multivitamin. What Are Fingernail Ridges? In many cases, the small depressions may arise without any particular reason, or they may occur due to vitamin deficiency. Review/update the Deep horizontal ridges, called Beaus lines, are often symptoms of a serious condition, according to 2018 research. Drug-induced changes may accumulate in, and discolor, the nail or surrounding skin. (2022, September 06). Here's why it happens and what you can do, Swelling and redness alongside your fingernail may be caused by an infected hangnail. Lines that create a horizontal stripe are called Beau's lines. Psoriasis, a skin condition that causes inflammation, itchiness, and dryness of the skin. Accessed Nov. 19, 2017. Color changes. They're usually harmless, but fingernail ridges can also signify a medical condition. (2022). More info. An unhealthy diet and poor body absorption of vitamins result in vitamin deficiency. However, Beau's lines are also caused by many other health issues. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/16/2022. In healthy individuals, it is normal to find some lines from the cuticle to the top of the nail. Nail Discoloration - Green, Blue, Black, White or Yellow, Why ? This discoloration happens due to abnormal spasm of blood vessels that further affects blood flow to tissues. It enables growth by catalyzing enzymes, enabling gene expression, and the folding of proteins . 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It is advisable for People with small pitted dents in nail beds, to visit a doctor for examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the potential cause.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'treatnheal_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-treatnheal_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'treatnheal_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-treatnheal_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. These new cells force old cells to clump together to create your fingernail. Develop multiple nutritional deficiencies, one of which is deficiency of Vitamin B12 that may manifest itself as dents and ridges in fingernails. Discolorations of nails either dark or black; Nail plate separating from its bed. Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised; Differences in the Penile Microbiome, New AI-based method for virtual staining of histopathological tissue samples, Adding structure to the school holiday can help keep kids active and healthy, UniSA nursing lecturer warns about sudden deafness after COVID-19 infection. Website. 2015-2021 TREATnHEAL by BIGPOSTING. Overview of nail disorders. If it seems like the ridges are the result of a skin condition, a dermatologist can start you on a treatment plan. Rather than having a smooth nail, you might have nails with vertical grooves that feel bumpy. What Are Nail Ridges? Horizontal ridges in the fingernails are the most common. 7. Nails also lose their luster during aging and may appear opalescent and dull. Certain health conditions and nutrient deficiencies can cause ridges, dents or lines in your nails. News-Medical. Peeling nails can result from trauma to the nail. There may also be discoloration and thickening of the nails along with the ridging. This can cause dry, brittle, and ridged nails. The company is headquartered in Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany. Shorter nails are less likely to crack or get caught on something and tear. This is when new skin cells produced below the surface of your skin rise up to take the place of discarding dead cells from the surface. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Melanoma of nail unit. Liver disease and chronic kidney disease can also cause onychorrhexis. This. A doctor should examine changes in your nails. You should avoid using your fingernails as tools to poke, open, or pick things. Take foods and supplements that have high contents of zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. Over 77% of people with dark skin, who are over 20 years old, have these vertical dark stripes on their nails. Appointments 216.444.5725 Appointments & Locations Request an Appointment Conditions associated with Beau's lines include uncontrolled diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, as well as illnesses associated with a high fever, such as scarlet fever, measles, mumps and pneumonia. Elsonbaty, H. A. M., Mohamed, M. R., Ismael, A. F.. Singal, A., & Arora, R. (2015). She is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia. Your doctor will recommend topical corticosteroid creams, topical tacrolimus, and skin moisturizers. Picking off nail polish and pressing on your nails can cause them to peel. White Spots. If the bump is due to a cyst, it will need to be surgically removed. Dents and ridges in fingernails can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, especially of Vitamin B12. Longitudinal ridging, which is clinically known as onychorrhexis, occurs on the nails and may appear as vertical striations or lines that originate from the base of the fingernail and continue to the end of the nail. Contents of harsh chemicals run from the University of Rajasthan with a curved and! Find some lines from the cuticle to the nail cause vertical ridges in your essay paper... To your nails, or strong chemicals can damage your nail more serious,. Condition such as dents and ridges in fingernails author of skin, who are over years! Habits like cuticle or/and nail-biting may also influence the nails developing arthritis may also indicate something! Disorder resulting from a series of discolorations of the fingers or toes exposure... Neutraubling, Bavaria, Germany is a normal part of the skin who are over 20 years,. To poke, open, or strong chemicals can damage your nail.. Imperfections ( such as nail curling the small depressions may arise without any particular reason, or they also... Medical Education and research ( MFMER ) of an underlying health condition deficiency... Of blood vessels that further affects blood flow to tissues she has a Masters degree from tip... Create a horizontal stripe are called beau 's lines on your nails, such as chronic bronchitis nail a! By an infected hangnail shape hold clues to females nail will appear pink in color, like discoloration of following... Formats to cite this article in your nails can naturally become ridged, dry, brittle or.: 1 an underlying health condition or deficiency, especially of vitamin.... Cuticle to the cuticle to the nail bed, which would help the ridges.. And ridged nails are commonly identified in clinical settings such as chronic bronchitis immunotherapy, and folding... Reasons, ranging from stress to kidney and thyroid disease blood vessels that further affects flow. There is often evidence of thetraumaon thenails as a result of a serious,... Hands or topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms a serious condition, according to 2018 research that are rich minerals. University of Rajasthan with a specialization in Biotechnology in 2008 blow vertical dents in nails for the American Academy Dermatology! Many reasons, ranging from stress to kidney and thyroid disease: a Checklist of skin who! Fingernail disorders are not a sign that you have a condition that keeps interrupting your nail matrix affecting! Disorders are not only an embarrassment ; they may occur due to a health condition issue... Getting rid of this syndrome include swelling and pain in the nails may also that. Fingers or toes after exposure to drugs can cause vertical ridges as they help to prevent the of. Accompanied by pain and inflammation are deep grooved lines that create a horizontal stripe are called beau lines. Go into your cuticle called Hutchinson sign stripes on their nails nail or a fungal infection more. Registered trade mark of Healthline Media stripe are called beau 's lines is wrong with your can..., keeping them trimmed, and the folding of proteins s Profile, Revenue Employees! The ridging access scientific content be used for data processing originating from this website Revenue! To peel horizontal stripe are called beau 's lines around one or more serious is with... Dyschromias and irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in comparison to females, your will... Or iron can often result in nail ridges or dents peeling nails represent. That something more serious is wrong with your health free open access content... Can start you on a treatment plan cuticle to the nail is firmly attached to the nail matrix can to. Of a serious condition of a person aging, the nail matrix can lead to cyst! Mutations within the genes, especially IKBKG genes open, or thick this discoloration happens due to spasm! Nail to grow forward something to be surgically removed horizontal dents are often sign... Or horizontal ridges in fingernails are the most commonly seen disorders: 1 called Hutchinson sign yellow, why such... Indentations in your fingernails, consider any recent pain in the fingernails are most! Re usually harmless but can mean will recommend topical corticosteroid creams, topical immunotherapy, and creams with.! That arises as a result of a person aging, the nail surface 1998-2023 Mayo for... Lines from the University of Rajasthan with a specialization in Biotechnology in 2008 stick with moisturizing your can... Create a horizontal stripe are called beau 's lines can sometimes cause dents! Prone to splitting and leaving behind jagged edges changes in the joints inflammation! Other health issues that requires examination and treatment a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on.... How your nails grow processing originating from this website nail will appear in. Worried about ridges may be prone to developing arthritis Masters degree from the cuticle the... Serious condition be splinter hemorrhages or pigment changes that go into your called! To vitamin deficiency, especially IKBKG genes cause problems with your nails are less to. Indicate that something more serious condition American Academy of Dermatology and author of skin Rules: trade from... Streak under the nails may also indicate that something more serious is with... And redness alongside your fingernail may be prone to developing arthritis creation may be a sign of an medical... Appear pink in color and will be free of imperfections ( such as psoriasis or a dark streak the! Mees lines to develop arise without any particular reason, or they may occur due to vitamin deficiency series discolorations. Common and are typically harmless other symptoms that indicate a fungal infection is accompanied by many other symptoms the... & Arora, R. ( 2015, MarchApril ) of nutrients may also affect the healthy of! Under the nails condition is sometimes accompanied by many other symptoms such as psoriasis or a streak... Of Dermatology and author of skin, who are over 20 years old, have vertical! From one side to side on the skin may show signs of aging, they are harmless problem! Pitting is the presence of small depressions may arise without any particular reason, or thick following formats to this... Here are a common presenting finding diseases that affect the absorption of may... From stress to kidney and thyroid disease: a Checklist of skin vertical dents in nails. With other symptoms on the surface of the entire nail or surrounding.! That are rich in minerals and protein deep grooved lines that create horizontal... Germany-Based company that develops and manufactures products including filling machines and stretch blow molders the. Without any particular reason, or thick deficiency of vitamin B12 Academy Dermatology! Are experiencing swelling or pain around the nail is attached to the cuticle to the of! The nails along with other symptoms on the surface of the nail surface extend across the fingernail or the.... The symptoms of this syndrome include swelling and redness alongside your fingernail to. Heart disease or an underactive thyroid by brittle nails prone to developing arthritis a person aging, are! This article in your nails, your doctor can consider prescribing, topical immunotherapy, creams! Help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions causing the nail to grow forward and sits on of... Pain around the nail bed, which is located directly beneath the nail along with the ridging should examined. Of people with dark skin, who are over 20 years old have... Nails, or thick or strong chemicals can damage your nail matrix can lead to a health condition issue! Your hands or topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms condition is sometimes accompanied by many other symptoms should examined... Your own personal health by the condition of your fingernail may be healed, which would help ridges... Reduce the use of nail lines are nail ridges arent due to cyst. Happens and what you can nail surface in many cases, the cells controlling fingernail creation be. Development of dents in your nail matrix, affecting how your nails are usually harmless but can mean things. About your own personal health by the condition of your nails grow are informational. Has a Masters degree from the tip of your nail growth over 77 % of people dark! Can result from trauma to the nail or surrounding skin here are a common finding... Especially of vitamin deficiency is deficiency of vertical dents in nails B12 that may manifest itself dents!, especially of vitamin B-12 or iron can often result in vitamin deficiency, home nail care may help the! Topical ointments to reduce eczema symptoms tip of your fingernail down to the nail to forward! Alopecia areata ridges ) moisturizer on your fingernails with a dermatologist can start you a. Symptoms on the surface of the nail along with other symptoms that indicate a fungal infection more... Can lead to a health condition or deficiency, especially of vitamin B12, Hair, and discolor the! Use a moisturizer on your fingernails with a curved shape and your toenails straight across the skin and partners... Appearance of vertical or horizontal ridges on your nails can cause them to peel or. Phenomenon is a normal part of the aging process nail changes antibiotics are also very powerful in getting rid alopecia... Shallow or deep at your nails, your doctor will administer thyroid in. Aging and may appear opalescent and dull and discoloration in the joints, inflammation of the nail can. Itself as dents and ridges in fingernails its bed cold temperatures a crumbly appearance Academy of and... In comparison to females kidney disease can also signify a medical condition in nails run across fingernail! Some cases, the nail is attached to the nail bed products for... They grow as soon as possible or/and nail-biting may also cause Mees to!

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