Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops in people who have psoriasis. PsA is an inflammatory condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Most people develop psoriasis symptoms on their skin before they develop signs of PsA, though others notice arthritis symptoms first.
People with PsA often have symptoms that affect their nails. In fact, fingernail psoriasis is sometimes an early sign of PsA. About 80 percent of people with PsA have nail lesions.
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What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
PsA can cause a combination of nail issues. Not everyone with PsA experiences nail problems. Others may have only one or two nail changes.
Pitting
Many people with PsA have nail psoriasis, which can result in pitting. Pitting causes your nails to look like they have small holes or dents in them. Your nails might also feel rough or bumpy to the touch.
Pitting happens when cell growth causes a buildup of residues on your nail. When these residues fall off, they leave holes and dents.
Your nail will grow around these areas.
Separation
PsA can cause your nail to separate from the nail bed. Nail separation may occur in small pockets or across your entire nail. When a small nail area lifts up off the nail bed, it may look clear or white.
Nail separation occurs due to inflammation in the nail bed.
White spots
PsA can also cause white spots on your nail. These white spots tend to appear in the middle of your nail.
White spots suggest that you have