What ridged and pitted nails can mean

Nail pitting appears as small depressions in the nail surface. Ridges may run lengthwise or across the nail, and the nail can become rough, crumbly, detached, or discoloured. Nail psoriasis may affect one or more nails and can occur with skin plaques or joint symptoms, but similar changes may follow injury, infection, or irritation. The pattern and the skin around the nail help guide the assessment.

Keep nails short, avoid picking the cuticle or scraping pits, and protect hands from prolonged water and chemicals. Use moisturiser on the nails and surrounding skin. A dermatologist may prescribe treatment directed at the nail, use an intralesional steroid injection for selected inflammation, or discuss biologic therapy when broader psoriasis needs control. Treatment choice depends on severity, other symptoms, and your medical history.

Book an assessment if pitting spreads, the nail lifts, pain develops, or changes do not grow out after an injury. Seek prompt care for swelling, warmth, drainage, or a new dark streak that changes. Joint stiffness, swollen fingers, or persistent skin lesions are useful to mention because they may point to psoriasis beyond the nail.

Ask whether the nail needs testing, whether your skin or joints suggest psoriasis, which treatment reaches the nail most effectively, and how progress will be monitored as the nail grows.