Nail pitting is the presence of small, pinpoint depressions or pits on the surface of the nails. It is often a sign of an underlying nail matrix problem.
🔍 What Causes Nail Pitting?
- Psoriasis (most common cause)
- Alopecia areata
- Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)
- Reiter’s syndrome
- Other inflammatory nail disorders
⚠️ Features
- Small, shallow or deep pits on one or several nails
- Often affects fingernails more than toenails
- Nails may also show other changes like thickening or discoloration depending on the underlying disease
- Can be associated with nail brittleness or splitting
🛠️ Diagnosis
- Clinical examination of nails
- Patient history to identify any associated skin or autoimmune conditions
- Sometimes biopsy if diagnosis is unclear
🛡️ Management
- Treat the underlying condition (e.g., psoriasis treatment)
- Keep nails trimmed and moisturized
- Avoid trauma to nails
- Use topical treatments as prescribed by a dermatologist