Question: What is the nail finding below called? Name one condition that this can occur in.
Answer: This is nail pitting which is a result of abnormal keratinization of the nail matrix. It also can lead to parakeratotic cells on the nail plate. Some of the cells become exposed during nail growth and can slough off causing nail pitting. This can be seen in conditions such as psoriasis alongside other findings such as nail bed “salmon patches” and onycholysis.
References:
- Rich, Phoebe. 2022. Overview of nail disorders. UpToDate.
- (No author listed). Subungal Hyperkeratosis. Accessed at https://www.psoriasiseczema.com.au/tag/subungal-hyperkeratosis/#:~:text=Psoriasis%20affecting%20the%20proximal%20nail%20matrix%20disrupts%20the,structures%20such%20as%20the%20skin%2C%20nails%20and%20hair. Accessed on February 4, 2022