What Causes Nail Pitting?

Causes Nail Pitting

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Nail pitting is a common condition characterized by small depressions on the surface of the nails. It is often associated with various dermatological conditions, most notably psoriasis. Understanding the causes of nail pitting can help in diagnosing and managing the underlying conditions effectively.

Psoriasis and Nail Pitting

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin, but it can also have significant effects on the nails. Nail pitting is a well-documented manifestation of psoriasis, where the nail matrix is affected, leading to the formation of pits on the nail surface. The incidence of nail pitting varies considerably among individuals with psoriasis, and it is influenced by the type, duration, and severity of the disease1.

Incidence and Severity

In a clinico-epidemiological study, it was found that nail pitting was present in 37% of patients with psoriasis. The severity of nail pitting was categorized based on the number of pits: less than 20 pits were observed in 17% of patients, 20-60 pits in 8%, and more than 60 pits in 12% of the study group. In contrast, only 10% of the control group exhibited nail pitting, and all cases had fewer than 20 pits1.

Duration of Psoriasis

The duration of psoriasis plays a significant role in the incidence of nail pitting. Patients with a disease duration of less than one year showed a 32% incidence of nail pitting, whereas those with a duration of more than one year had a higher incidence of 40.5%. This suggests that the longer the duration of psoriasis, the more likely nail pitting is to occur1.

Severity of Psoriasis

The severity of psoriasis, as measured by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), also correlates with the incidence of nail pitting. In cases of mild psoriasis, nail pitting was present in 34.2% of patients, while in severe cases, the incidence increased to 47.6%. This indicates that more severe forms of psoriasis are associated with a higher likelihood of nail pitting1.

Conclusion

Nail pitting is a significant clinical finding in patients with psoriasis, and its incidence is closely related to the duration and severity of the disease. Understanding these associations can aid in the early diagnosis and management of psoriasis, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Disclaimer

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