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.
Some of the medical conditions that can cause nail pitting include:
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells. Nail pitting is a common symptom of psoriasis, and it can affect both fingernails and toenails.
- Eczema: Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and itching. Nail pitting is a less common symptom of eczema, but it can occur in some people.
- Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Nail pitting is a less common symptom of alopecia areata, but it can occur in some people.
- Tinea unguium: Tinea unguium is a fungal infection of the nails. Nail pitting is a common symptom of tinea unguium, and it can affect both fingernails and toenails.
- Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause a variety of symptoms, including nail pitting. Nail pitting is not a common symptom of lupus, but it can occur in some people.
- Lichen planus: Lichen planus is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and scaling. Nail pitting is a less common symptom of lichen planus, but it can occur in some people.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs can damage the nail matrix, which is the tissue that produces nails. This can lead to nail pitting, as well as other nail changes such as brittleness and discoloration.
If you have nail pitting, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In most cases, nail pitting is not a serious condition and does not require treatment. However, if your nail pitting is caused by an underlying medical condition, treatment of the underlying condition will usually improve the nail pitting.