By Dr. Tahani Williams, M.D.
Your nails are subtle but powerful indicators of your overall skin health. Whether you're dealing with eczema on hands, psoriasis, or other chronic conditions, changes in your nails such as dents, discoloration, or inflammation, might be your body’s way of signaling an underlying issue. Read on to discover what those shifts in texture, color, or shape could mean, especially if you're already managing a skin condition.
How Skin Conditions Show Up in Your Nails
Many chronic skin conditions affect not just your complexion, but also the health of your nails. Since nails grow from the nail matrix, which is part of your skin, inflammation or immune responses can lead to visible nail changes.
Eczema on Hands
Hand eczema treatment is crucial not just for the skin but for nail health, too. If you're struggling with eczema, you may notice:
Dents on fingernails (nail pitting)
Longitudinal ridges (vertical lines running from cuticle to tip)
Yellowish, thick, or distorted nails (often due to secondary infections)
Inflamed cuticles, especially with frequent hand washing or irritant exposure
Is your skin trying to tell you something? Learn more about What Your Skin is Trying to Tell You About Your Health.
Psoriasis and Your Nails
Around 50–80% of people with psoriasis experience nail symptoms (1). These may include:
Pitting (tiny dents)
Onycholysis (nail lifting)
Oil spots (yellow-brown discoloration beneath the nail)
Thickened, brittle nails
Subungual hyperkeratosis (debris under the nail)
Lichen Planus
This inflammatory autoimmune disorder affects skin, mucous membranes, and nails (2). Nail symptoms can involve:
Longitudinal ridging
Nail splitting and brittleness
Pterygium formation (skin fusing over the nail)
Nail loss in severe cases
Lupus and Nail Health
Autoimmune conditions like lupus often show up in the nail beds:
Red or purple discoloration around the nail fold
Brittle, fragile nails
Swollen cuticles
Scleroderma
This connective tissue disorder may reduce circulation and cause:
Shiny, tight skin around the nails
Cuticle loss
Capillary damage visible near the nail fold
Your skin can also tell you when there may be issues with your immune system. Learn more with our blog, The Connection Between Skin and the Immune System.
What the Color of Your Nails Is Telling You
Here’s a breakdown:
Pale or white nails: Can signal anemia, often linked with eczema or chronic inflammation.
Yellow fingernails: May be a sign of a fungal infection or, in rare cases, yellow nail syndrome (which includes lymphedema).
Bluish nails: Might point to low oxygen levels or poor circulation, sometimes linked to autoimmune skin conditions like lupus.
Ridges, Dents, and Texture Changes: What They Mean
If you are noticing these unusual textures in your nails, you may want to schedule a visit with your doctor (3).
Vertical ridges: Usually harmless and age-related.
Horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines): Often caused by flare-ups in skin conditions like eczema or infections.
Pitting: Strongly associated with psoriasis.
Thickening: May be due to lichen planus or fungal infections.
Dent on fingernail: Could signal trauma or inflammation from chronic skin disease.
Explore the benefits of B vitamin-rich products with our blog, Benefits of B Vitamins for Hair and Skin.
Why Are My Nails So Brittle?
Dry, brittle nails are often the result of dehydrated skin or frequent exposure to water and irritants – something people with eczema on hands are especially prone to.
Use fragrance-free moisturizers and avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based sanitizers to support both skin and nail hydration.
Tips for Healthy Nails and Hands
Support your nails from the outside in with these dermatologist-backed tips:
Use gentle, sulfate-free cleansers to avoid stripping skin and nails of natural oils.
Moisturize regularly with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products like Emu Oil.
Wear gloves while doing dishes or cleaning.
Don’t pick at or bite your nails or cuticles.
Address hand eczema treatment early to protect your nail matrix from long-term damage.
Browse Cleure’s sensitive skin-safe body and hand care products to help support healthy skin and nails.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you're noticing persistent changes in your nails like discoloration, ridging, or inflammation, especially alongside skin conditions, consult a dermatologist. They can help you determine whether the issue stems from eczema, psoriasis, or another chronic skin issue.
References:
Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, May, 2015.
MedlinePlus (.gov), June 2023.
American Academy of Dermatology Association, May, 2025.
