
Dimples in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be a sign of a dermatological condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or joint inflammation. They can also be caused by an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop. Nail pitting may appear as depressions or dimples in your fingernails or toenails and can be shallow or deep. They can be treated with oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical name | Nail pitting |
| Appearance | Depressions or dimples in fingernails or toenails |
| Cause | Psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, joint inflammation, or genetic factors |
| Treatment | Oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes |
| Other symptoms | Discolouration and abnormal growth |
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Nail pitting
If you have nail pitting, oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes can help treat it.
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Psoriasis
Dimples in nails are known as nail pitting and can be a sign of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common and ongoing skin condition that causes skin cells to build up very quickly. It can happen anywhere on the body, often in several areas at the same time, and sometimes in the nails. It is rare for nails to be the only affected body part.
Nail pitting can also be a sign of eczema, joint inflammation, or an autoimmune disease. It is also possible to get them if they run in your family.
Nail pitting may appear as depressions or dimples in the fingernails or toenails. There can be one single pit or many pits, and a nail with multiple pits can look like the surface of a thimble. The nail is part of the skin and grows from the nail root, which is found just under the cuticle. This is why nail pitting is often related to a skin condition.
Nail pitting can be treated with oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes. If you have noticed small depressions in your nails, you may have experienced nail pitting. It can happen for a number of reasons and is often related to nail psoriasis. You may also have discoloration and abnormal growth with this condition.
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Dermatological conditions
Dimples in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be a sign of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or joint inflammation. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, leading to nail pitting. It can affect various parts of the body, including the nails, and often occurs in multiple areas simultaneously. While it is rare for nails to be the only affected body part, it is possible.
Nail pitting can also be related to nail psoriasis, which may cause discoloration and abnormal nail growth. In addition to dermatological conditions, nail pitting can be associated with autoimmune diseases that cause skin cell overgrowth and buildup. Beau's lines, deep grooves or gaps that run the width of the nail, can also be a dermatological concern. These lines indicate that something has slowed or stopped nail growth for a while, resulting in a missing section of the nail. The medical term for this condition is onychomadesis.
Nail pitting is typically treated with oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes. If you notice dimples or small depressions in your fingernails or toenails, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Beau's lines
Dimples in nails, also known as nail pitting, can be a sign of psoriasis, eczema, or joint inflammation. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin cells to build up quickly and can lead to nail pitting. It can also be caused by other dermatological conditions or autoimmune diseases that affect the growth of the nail plate. Nail pitting is characterised by small depressions or dimples in the fingernails or toenails, which can be shallow or deep and found in different directions on the nail.
Beaus lines, on the other hand, are deep grooves or gaps that run the length of the nail. They are usually nothing to worry about and are caused by a temporary slowdown or stoppage of nail growth. This can be due to various factors such as injury, illness, or certain medications. When nail growth is interrupted, it can result in a gap or missing nail tissue, a condition known as onychomadesis. Beaus lines are typically harmless and often resolve on their own as the nail grows out. However, if they are accompanied by other nail changes or persistent symptoms, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation.
It is important to note that nail changes, including Beaus lines, can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. For example, Beaus lines have been associated with conditions such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and Raynaud's phenomenon. In such cases, the presence of Beaus lines may warrant further investigation and medical attention.
Additionally, certain nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc or vitamin B12, can also contribute to the development of Beaus lines. Ensuring adequate nutrient intake through a balanced diet or supplements may help prevent or improve these nail abnormalities.
While Beaus lines are typically benign, monitoring any changes in your nails and consulting a healthcare professional if you have concerns can help identify any potential underlying causes and guide appropriate management.
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Spoon nails
Dimples in nails are known as nail pitting and are usually a sign of psoriasis, eczema or joint inflammation. They can also be caused by a dermatological condition or autoimmune disease that causes skin cell overgrowth and buildup.
The most common cause of spoon nails is iron deficiency, or anemia, which makes your level of red blood cells lower than normal. About 5% of people with iron deficiency anemia experience spoon nails. Researchers believe that having low iron levels could result in poor blood flow to the fingers and toes, which may weaken the connective tissue under your nail bed, leading to spoon nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Dimples in nails are small dents, depressions or pits in the fingernails or toenails. They can be shallow or deep and found on various parts of the nail in different directions.
Dimples in nails can be caused by a number of dermatological conditions, including nail psoriasis, eczema, joint inflammation and autoimmune diseases that cause skin cell overgrowth and buildup. They can also be caused by an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop.
The medical name for dimples in nails is nail pitting.
Nail pitting can be treated with oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes.
Deep grooves that run the width of your nail mean that something slowed or stopped your nails from growing for a while. The medical name for this condition is onychomadesis.






































