Psoriasis can definitely affect the appearance of nails, though true black nails aren't the most common change. What you might be seeing could be thin dark lines (sometimes described as black lines) or discoloration beneath the nail surface.
Here are the nail changes psoriasis can cause:
- Pitting — small dents or holes Show Full Answer
Psoriasis can definitely affect the appearance of nails, though true black nails aren't the most common change. What you might be seeing could be thin dark lines (sometimes described as black lines) or discoloration beneath the nail surface.
Here are the nail changes psoriasis can cause:
- Pitting — small dents or holes in the nail
- Discoloration — yellow, brown, white patches, or thin dark lines beneath the nail
- Onycholysis — separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Brittle or crumbly nails
- Subungual hyperkeratosis — chalky buildup under the nail
- Nail splitting or cracking
It's worth noting that nail psoriasis can look similar to a fungal infection, so it's a good idea to have a dermatologist take a nail scraping to rule that out.
If you're noticing dark changes in your nails alongside joint stiffness or swelling, it's worth mentioning to your doctor, as nail changes can sometimes be an early sign of psoriatic arthritis.
June 25
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