Nail Pitting Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Pitting of the nails, typically the fingernails, is characterized by depressions in the surface of the nail. Nail pitting is caused by defective development of the layers of the superficial nail plate. It is common in patients with psoriasis and can affect up to 50% of people suffering from this condition. Nail pitting can also be associated with other conditions, including connective tissue disorders, alopecia areata, and sarcoidosis. Any condition that can cause a superficial and localized inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) can also affect the nails and result in nail pitting. Nail pitting can be associated with other abnormalities of the nails, including nail separation, flaking or crumbling, or other damage to or changes in the nail. Nail pitting that is associated with disease processes generally shows involvement of multiple or all nails, while trauma to an individual nail bed can cause localized pitting or disruptions in a single nail.
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REFERENCES:
Fawcett, Robert S., and Sean Lindord. "Nail Abnormalities: Clues to Systemic Disease."
American Family Physician 69.6 Mar. 15, 2004: 1417-1424. <http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0315/p1417.html>.
"Fingernail Abnormalities." Medscape.com. <http://reference.medscape.com/features/slideshow/fingernail-abnormalities>.
Causes of Nail Pitting
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Alopecia Areata Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. It is believed to be...learn more »In This ArticleAlopecia Areata Article- Alopecia areata facts
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Atopic Dermatitis Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of...learn more »In This ArticleAtopic Dermatitis Article- Atopic dermatitis facts
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Eczema Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic...learn more »In This ArticleEczema Article- Eczema facts
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Lichen Planus Lichen planus is a common skin disease that features small, itchy pink or purple spots on the arms or legs. the abnormal areas on...learn more »In This ArticleLichen Planus Article- Lichen planus facts
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Psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....learn more »In This ArticlePsoriasis Article- Psoriasis facts
- What is psoriasis?
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Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis, a disease resulting from chronic inflammation, causes small lumps (granulomas) to develop in a great range of body...learn more »In This ArticleSarcoidosis Article- What is sarcoidosis?
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- Living with sarcoidosis
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Other Causes of Nail Pitting
- Chemical Dermatitis
- Incontinentia Pigmenti
- Pemphigus
- Reiter's Syndrome
- Trauma
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