Isla Bennett
Dents in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be a sign of an underlying health issue. They can be caused by skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, or joint inflammation, or by nutritional or vitamin deficiencies. In some cases, they may be harmless or the result of a previous injury. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and best course of action for treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | An issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop |
| Name | Nail pitting |
| Superficial nail plate | The hard part of the nail made up of keratin |
| Associated condition | Nail psoriasis |
| Affected nails | Fingernails and toenails |
| Other causes | Eczema, joint inflammation, family history, skin disorders, nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies |
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Nail pitting
Dents in nails, also known as nail pitting, can occur due to an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop. The superficial nail plate is the hard part of the nail that is made up of a type of protein known as keratin, which also comprises your hair and skin. The superficial nail plate protects the skin underneath.
Nail abnormalities such as pitting can indicate an underlying issue. While no specific treatments are available once nail pitting occurs, seeking treatment for the cause can prevent these abnormalities from returning once the nail has grown out. In the meantime, try to keep your nails as moisturised as possible, wear protective gloves during certain activities, and avoid anything that may damage them further, such as manicures.
If you have nail ridges, talk to your healthcare provider so you can find out the cause and how to treat it, if necessary.
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Psoriasis
Dents in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be a sign of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin cells to build up quickly. It can occur anywhere on the body, often in several areas at the same time. It tends to come and go, and it's possible for nails to be the only affected body part, although this is rare.
Around 50% of people with psoriasis also have symptoms that affect their nails. Nail psoriasis is more likely to affect your fingernails than your toenails. It can be caused by an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop. The superficial nail plate is the hard part of the nail that is made up of a type of protein known as keratin, which also comprises your hair and skin. The superficial nail plate protects the skin underneath.
If you have nail ridges or dents, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to find out the cause and how to treat it. With time and treatment, you may see new, smoother nails grow in. In the meantime, try to keep your nails as moisturized as possible, wear protective gloves during certain activities, and avoid anything that may damage them further, such as manicures.
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Eczema
Dents in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be a sign of eczema. However, it can also be caused by psoriasis, joint inflammation, skin disorders, nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, or a previous injury to the nail.
Nail pitting is when you have tiny dents in your fingernails or toenails. It occurs due to an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop. The superficial nail plate is the hard part of the nail that is made up of a type of protein known as keratin, which also comprises your hair and skin. The superficial nail plate protects the skin underneath.
If you have nail pitting, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to find out the cause and how to treat it. With time and treatment, you may see new, smoother nails grow in. In the meantime, try to keep your nails as moisturized as possible, wear protective gloves during certain activities, and avoid anything that may damage them further, such as manicures.
Nail abnormalities such as pitting can indicate an underlying issue. Because our nails can act as a window to our overall health, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and best course of action for treatment.
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Joint inflammation
Dents in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be a sign of joint inflammation. However, they can also be caused by a number of other factors, including skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema, nutritional deficiencies, and vitamin deficiencies. In some cases, they may be harmless or the result of a previous injury to the nail.
Nail pitting is characterised by tiny dents, ridges, and holes in the nails, which occur due to an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop. The superficial nail plate is the hard, protective part of the nail that is made up of a type of protein known as keratin, which also comprises your hair and skin.
While there are no specific treatments for nail pitting, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and the best course of action for treatment. In some cases, with time and treatment, new, smoother nails may grow in. Additionally, keeping your nails moisturised, wearing protective gloves during certain activities, and avoiding manicures or other things that may damage your nails further can help prevent further abnormalities.
If you are experiencing dents in your nails, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to find out the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
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Nutritional deficiencies
Dents in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be caused by a number of factors. One of the most common causes is psoriasis, a skin condition that causes skin cells to build up rapidly. Psoriasis can affect the nails, causing tiny dents or ridges to form. It tends to come and go and can affect several areas of the body at the same time.
Nail pitting can also be caused by eczema or joint inflammation. In some cases, it may be a result of genetic factors, as it can run in families. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies and vitamin deficiencies can also lead to nail abnormalities, including nail pitting.
The superficial nail plate, which is the hard part of the nail made up of keratin, may develop ridges or dents due to issues with how its layers form. This can be a result of a health condition or a previous injury to the nail. While there are no specific treatments for nail pitting, addressing any underlying causes can help prevent it from returning once the nail has grown out.
If you notice dents or ridges in your nails, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and the best course of action for treatment. Keeping your nails moisturized, wearing protective gloves during certain activities, and avoiding manicures can also help maintain nail health and prevent further damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Dents in nails are called nail pitting.
Nail pitting can be caused by an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop. It can also be caused by skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, or joint inflammation, or by nutritional or vitamin deficiencies.
You should talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and best course of action for treatment. In the meantime, try to keep your nails as moisturised as possible, wear protective gloves during certain activities, and avoid anything that may damage them further, such as manicures.
Yes, nail pitting can be a sign of a health condition or a previous injury to your nail. However, in some cases, it may be harmless.
