What should you know about psoriasis cuticles?

Nail psoriasis may cause pits, ridges, colour change, thickening or separation of the nail. The surrounding skin can become red, sore, dry or cracked. These changes may occur with skin plaques or on their own, so appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Frequent hand washing, detergents, biting, picking, manicures and minor injury can damage cuticles. A fungal or bacterial infection can also cause tenderness, swelling or drainage. Do not assume every nail change is psoriasis.

Keep cuticles moisturised with a bland ointment, wear gloves for wet or chemical work, and avoid cutting or pushing the cuticle. Do not pull loose skin or share nail tools. A clinician may examine the nail and surrounding skin, and may test for infection before choosing treatment.

If itching, scaling or redness extends beyond the nail, review information on [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/), [Cracked Skin](/symptoms/skin-cracking/) and [Skin Scaling](/symptoms/skin-scaling/).

Book an assessment for persistent nail distortion, repeated cuticle splitting, pain, or changes affecting several nails. Seek prompt care if the nail fold becomes hot, rapidly swollen, increasingly painful, or produces pus. Fever or redness spreading up a finger needs urgent medical attention.

Does this look like nail psoriasis, irritation or infection? Is testing needed? How should I protect my cuticles at work? Which nail treatments are safe with my other medicines?