Inflammatory arthritis and nail changes: what should you know?

Inflammatory arthritis can occur with ridges, pits, separation from the nail bed, thickening, discoloration, or changes around the nail. These findings can also result from injury, skin disease, infection, or repeated pressure, so the nails need to be considered with your joint symptoms and general health.

Tell your clinician when the changes began, whether one or several nails are involved, and whether there is pain, redness, drainage, or skin scaling. [Finger Stiffness](/symptoms/finger-stiffness/), [Hand Swelling](/symptoms/hand-swelling/), [Joint Pain](/symptoms/joint-pain/), and [Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/joint-stiffness/) provide useful context.

Take clear photographs over time and avoid picking, biting, or aggressively cleaning beneath the nail. Protect hands from prolonged moisture and irritants, and mention new soaps, chemicals, manicures, or injuries. Keep prescribed treatment unchanged until your clinician reviews the pattern.

An assessment may include examination of the nails, skin, fingers, and other joints. [Rheumatoid Arthritis](/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/) can cause inflammatory joint symptoms, but nail findings are not enough to diagnose it. [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) may be discussed for joint inflammation when appropriate.

Arrange a medical review if nail changes persist, spread, or occur with ongoing [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/) or [Morning Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/morning-joint-stiffness/). Seek prompt care for severe throbbing pain, rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever, or a dark mark that does not grow out with the nail, especially after an injury.

Ask whether the appearance fits inflammation, infection, injury, or another nail condition. Discuss whether your joints, skin, and nails should be examined together, whether testing is needed, and which changes should prompt an earlier appointment.