Nail pitting is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by small, round depressions in the nail plate. Nail pitting can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Trauma: Nail pitting can be caused by a minor injury to the nail, such as stubbing your finger or hitting your nail with a hammer.
- Medical conditions: Nail pitting can be a symptom of certain medical conditions, such as pitted nails autoimmune disease, alopecia areata, and onychomycosis (nail fungus).
- Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can also cause nail pitting.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Nail pitting can be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, such as a deficiency in biotin or zinc.
- Heredity: Nail pitting can also run in families.
In most cases, nail pitting is not serious and does not require treatment. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, there are a few things you can do to manage nail pitting:
- Keep your nails trimmed short. This will help to reduce the stress on your nails and prevent further damage.
- Use a nail strengthener. A nail strengthener can help to make your nails stronger and less likely to break.
- Apply a coat of clear nail polish. A coat of clear nail polish can help to protect your nails from further damage and make them look healthier.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails. Harsh chemicals, such as nail polish remover, can irritate your nails and make nail pitting worse.
- Eat a healthy diet. Make sure to get enough biotin and zinc in your diet. These nutrients are essential for healthy nail growth.
Pitted Nails and Autoimmune Diseases
In some cases, nail pitting can be a sign of an underlying autoimmune disease. Some autoimmune diseases that can cause nail pitting include:
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells. Nail psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis that affects the nails.
- Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Nail alopecia areata is a rare form of alopecia areata that affects the nails.
- Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the nails.
If you have nail pitting and you are concerned that it may be caused by an autoimmune disease, you should see a doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your nail pitting and recommend treatment options, if necessary.
Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis that affects the nails. It is characterized by small, round depressions in the nail plate. Nail psoriasis can also cause other changes in the nails, such as:
- Yellowing of the nails
- Brittle nails
- Splitting of the nails
- Onion nails (thickened, ridged nails)
Nail psoriasis is not contagious. However, it can be a sign of an underlying autoimmune disease, such as psoriasis. If you have nail psoriasis, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of your nail psoriasis and recommend treatment options, if necessary.