Transverse white nail bands (leukonychia) have been described in associatio
n with systemic illnesses and exposure to toxins, and medications. We descr
ibe the occurrence of transverse nail bands in two patients following acute
systemic illnesses. In the first case, transverse white nail bands develop
ed in a 30-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-positive man following acu
te pulmonary tuberculosis in the second case, transverse white nail bands w
ere noted in an 80-year-old patient following Streptococcus intermedius emp
yema.