What is Nail Pitting?
Nail pitting is a common condition that causes small, round depressions to form on the nails. The pits can be shallow or deep, and they can be scattered or grouped together. Nail pitting is usually not a serious condition, but it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
What are the Causes of Nail Pitting?
There are many possible causes of nail pitting. Here are the 10 most common:
- Trauma: Nail pitting can be caused by minor injuries to the nails, like stubbing your finger or hitting your nail with a hammer. The force of the injury can damage the nail matrix, which is the tissue that produces the nails. This damage can lead to the formation of pits in the nails.
- Infections: Nail pitting can be caused by infections, like fungal infections or bacterial infections. These infections can damage the nail matrix, which can lead to the formation of pits in the nails.
- Medical conditions: Nail pitting can be a symptom of a number of medical conditions, like psoriasis, eczema, and alopecia areata. These conditions can damage the nail matrix, which can lead to the formation of pits in the nails.
- Medications: Some medications, like chemotherapy drugs, can cause nail pitting. These medications can damage the nail matrix, which can lead to the formation of pits in the nails.
- Heredity: Nail pitting can run in families. If your parents or siblings have nail pitting, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
- Diet: A diet that is low in biotin or zinc can increase the risk of nail pitting. Biotin and zinc are important nutrients for healthy nails. If you are not getting enough of these nutrients in your diet, you may be more likely to develop nail pitting.
- Nail biting: Nail biting is a habit that can damage the nails. When you bite your nails, you can tear the nail matrix, which can lead to the formation of pits in the nails.
- Excessive use of nail polish: The chemicals in nail polish can irritate the nail matrix, which can lead to the formation of pits in the nails.
- Aging: Nail pitting can be more common as you age. This is because the nail matrix becomes weaker as you age, which makes it more susceptible to damage.
- Environmental factors: Nail pitting can be caused by environmental factors, like exposure to cold weather or harsh chemicals.
How is Nail Pitting Treated?
There is no specific treatment for nail pitting. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the appearance of pits, like:
- Taking biotin supplements: Biotin is a vitamin that is important for healthy nails. Taking biotin supplements can help to strengthen the nails and reduce the appearance of pits.
- Using a nail strengthener: A nail strengthener can help to protect the nails and reduce the likelihood of further damage.
- Avoiding nail biting: Nail biting can damage the nails and make nail pitting worse. If you are a nail biter, try to break the habit.
- Exfoliating your nails: Exfoliating your nails can help to remove dead skin cells and make the nails look healthier.
If you’re concerned about nail pitting, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.