Caleb Foster
Little holes in your nails are known as nail pitting. This is a condition that can be caused by a number of factors, including nail psoriasis, which affects around 50% of people with psoriasis. It can also be caused by alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the head and body. Visible depressions in the nails could be a sign of a larger issue, so it's a good idea to visit a doctor if you notice them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Nail pitting |
| Cause | An issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop |
| Cause | Psoriasis (50% of people with psoriasis have symptoms that affect their nails) |
| Cause | Psoriatic arthritis |
| Cause | Alopecia areata |
| Treatment | Corticosteroid injections into the nail beds |
| Treatment | Phototherapy |
| Treatment | Light therapy |
| Treatment | Vitamin supplements |
| Treatment | Oral and topical medications |
| Treatment | Lifestyle changes |
| Treatment | Cosmetic repair by scraping, filing or polishing |
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What You'll Learn
Nail pitting
Little holes in your nails are known as nail pitting. This condition is 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.
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Nail psoriasis
Little holes in your nails could be a sign of nail pitting, which is often related to nail psoriasis. Nail pitting is a condition where dents, ridges and holes appear in the nails 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.
Oral and topical medications, as well as lifestyle changes, can help treat nail psoriasis. Corticosteroid injections into the nail beds, phototherapy, light therapy and vitamin supplements are also common treatments. Treating nail psoriasis may be a long-term process, so in some cases, people may choose to repair the nails cosmetically by scraping, filing or polishing.
If you notice little holes in your nails, it is a good idea to visit a doctor as it could be a sign of a larger issue.
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Alopecia areata
Little holes in your nails are known as nail pitting. This 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 pitting is often associated with nail psoriasis, which affects roughly 50% of people with psoriasis. It is more likely to affect your fingernails than your toenails. It is also common in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Visible depressions in nails could be alluding to a larger issue, and it is recommended to visit a doctor. Treatment for nail pitting involves treating the disorder that caused it. Some common treatments include corticosteroid injections into the nail beds, phototherapy, light therapy and vitamin supplements. Treating nail pitting may be a long-term process, so in some cases, people dealing with nail pitting may repair the nails cosmetically by scraping, filing or polishing.
One condition associated with nail pitting is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on your head and body. Your nails may break easily and dents can form.
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Psoriatic arthritis
Little holes in your nails are known as nail pitting. This is a condition where dents, ridges and holes appear in the nails 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 pitting is often associated with nail psoriasis, which is more likely to affect your fingernails than your toenails. Psoriatic arthritis is a common condition in people with nail pitting. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and swelling. It can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the fingers and toes. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the affected joints
- Redness and warmth in the affected joints
- Fatigue
- Nail changes, such as pitting, ridges, and discoloration
If you are experiencing nail pitting, it is important to see a doctor as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Treatment for nail pitting involves treating the underlying disorder. In the case of psoriatic arthritis, treatment options include oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes.
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Discolouration and abnormal growth
Little holes in your nails are called nail pitting and can be a sign of a larger issue. They 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 protein called keratin, which also comprises your hair and skin. The superficial nail plate protects the skin underneath.
Nail pitting is often related to a skin condition, such as nail psoriasis, which is more likely to affect your fingernails than your toenails. Roughly 50% of people with psoriasis also have symptoms that affect their nails. It is also common in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Nail pitting may also be caused by an autoimmune condition such as alopecia areata, which causes hair loss on your head and body. Your nails may break easily and dents can form.
Nail pitting can be treated by treating the disorder that caused it. Common treatments include corticosteroid injections into the nail beds, phototherapy, light therapy and vitamin supplements. Treating nail pitting may be a long-term process, so in some cases, someone dealing with nail pitting may repair the nails cosmetically by scraping, filing or polishing.
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Frequently asked questions
Little holes in your nails are called nail pitting. They can be caused by an issue with how the layers in the superficial nail plate develop.
Nail pitting is often associated with nail psoriasis, which affects roughly 50% of people with psoriasis. It is also common in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Oral and topical medications and lifestyle changes can help treat nail pitting. Corticosteroid injections into the nail beds, phototherapy, light therapy and vitamin supplements are also common treatments.
