What should you know about oil drop nail psoriasis?

The oil-drop appearance comes from colour and changes in the nail bed or nail-producing structures, rather than a stain sitting on the surface. Nail psoriasis may also cause pits, ridges, thickening, crumbling, lifting from the bed, or debris beneath the nail. It can affect fingernails, toenails, or both, and skin psoriasis may be absent or subtle. Fungal infection, trauma, eczema, and other nail conditions can produce overlapping changes, so a discoloured nail is not diagnostic by appearance alone. [Nail Psoriasis](/conditions/nail-psoriasis/) provides context, while [Discoloured Nails](/symptoms/nail-discoloration/) covers the broader symptom.

Keep nails trimmed, dry, and protected from repeated pressure or picking. Do not scrape beneath a lifting nail or apply steroid, antifungal, or cosmetic products without advice. Photograph the nail periodically and record pain, swelling, drainage, new pits, or changes in other nails. A clinician may inspect the nail and surrounding skin and may test for fungus when the appearance is uncertain. Treatment can be local or systemic depending on severity and other psoriasis features. Options may include [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) for selected nail involvement or [Biologic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/biologic-therapy/) when broader disease warrants it.

Arrange a review for a new or changing oil-drop mark, persistent nail lifting, pain, swelling, pus, or a dark streak. Seek prompt assessment if one nail changes rapidly, the surrounding skin becomes inflamed, or the nail is repeatedly injured. Nail psoriasis can be associated with joint symptoms, so mention morning stiffness, swollen fingers or toes, or painful joints rather than treating the nail in isolation.

Does this pattern fit nail psoriasis or a fungal or traumatic change? Do I need a nail test? How many nails are involved, and is there joint screening to consider? Which treatment protects future nail growth?