“Forget about calcium deficiency”: What white spots on your nails really mean, according to a dermatologist

From parisselectbook.com/en

You’ve noticed small, light-coloured marks on your nails and are wondering what they really mean. White spots on the nails are a common topic, surrounded by many misconceptions. Dr. Ines Zaraa, a dermatologist and venereologist in Paris, provides clear answers about their actual causes and when it’s best to see a doctor.

                                                                                                                               ParisSelectBook

White Spots on Nails: What the Experts Really Say

These marks have a specific medical name: leukonychia. They can appear as white spots of various sizes or as white streaks on the nail. According to Dr. Zaraa, they are generally benign.

However, a common misconception has been around for a long time: that these spots are a sign of a calcium or iron deficiency. That’s not true. Deficiencies can cause nails to appear ridged, spoon-shaped, or softer and more brittle, but they do not cause white spots, the dermatologist explains. So there’s no need to rush out and buy dietary supplements.

Furthermore, localized leukonychia does not indicate a serious illness. This clarification is reassuring for anyone who becomes concerned when they notice these small marks appearing in their daily lives.

Microtrauma, the leading cause of light-coloured marks

The most common cause of white spots on the nails is microtrauma. It occurs particularly at the nail root—the white crescent visible beneath the folds of skin—as the specialist explains.

These minor injuries may seem insignificant in everyday life. For example, a pedicure that’s a little too rough or a pair of shoes that’s too tight in the toes is enough to cause this type of injury.

“Nail cells normally become transparent as they keratinize and lose their nuclei, allowing light to pass through them. When certain cells retain their nucleus or exhibit abnormal keratinization—due to microtrauma, for example—they scatter light more and appear white.” — Dr. Ines Zaraa

A second possible cause is nail dehydration. Regular nail polish left on too long, or semi-permanent nail polish, dries out the surface and can give it a whitish, grainy appearance, adds Dr. Zaraa.

In some cases, these light-coloured marks may also indicate a medical condition. These can include superficial fungal infections or inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, which causes small white spots on the nail. In much rarer cases, leukonychia may be a sign of lichen or alopecia areata.

• Shoes that are too tight in the toe area
• Injuries During Pedicures or Manicures
• Trimming Cuticles
• Any direct pressure on the nail
• Regular or semi-permanent nail polish left on too long

When White Spots on Your Nails Should Be a Cause for Concern

Caution is warranted when there is no obvious cause. If the marks cannot be explained by prolonged use of nail polish, ill-fitting shoes, or known microtrauma, a visit to a dermatologist is recommended. In addition, a specific family history is also a warning sign.

According to figures from the French National Health Insurance , nearly one-third of psoriasis cases have a family history of the condition. Psoriasis also affects the skin and scalp: the presence of other lesions in these areas makes it even more important to seek medical attention promptly. If a single finger is affected for no apparent reason, Dr. Zaraa recommends seeing a dermatologist as soon as possible.

An even more serious sign warrants attention: a uniformly white or milky-coloured fingernail may be a sign of liver or kidney disease. In this case, you should see a doctor right away.

White Spots on the Nails and Psoriasis: Signs to Watch For

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin and hair that can also affect the nails. It occurs in people with a specific genetic predisposition, which is why a family history of the condition is a warning sign that should be taken seriously.

On the other hand, if the whitish marks on the nails are accompanied by patches on the skin or a scaly scalp, the clinical presentation clearly points to nail psoriasis. In this case, only a dermatologist can make a reliable diagnosis.

Treatments and preventive measures based on the cause

Treatment depends directly on the cause of the spots. In the case of microtrauma, no special care is needed. You simply need to be patient: it takes 4 to 6 months for a fingernail to grow back completely, and 9 to 12 months for a toenail, explains Dr. Zaraa.

To prevent dryness, a few simple habits are all it takes to protect the nail surface. Take breaks between applying nail polish, choose acetone-free products, avoid soaking your hands in water, and don’t cut your cuticles. Similarly, avoid wearing shoes that put strain on your feet on a daily basis.

In cases of inflammatory conditions, a topical treatment suitable for psoriasis is prescribed, most often in the form of corticosteroid-based ointments, creams, or lotions. For fungal infections, an antifungal nail polish is used as the first-line treatment and may be supplemented with oral medication if necessary, according to Dr. Zaraa. Thus, white spots on the nails caused by a fungal infection can be treated in a targeted and effective manner as soon as the diagnosis is made.

https://www.parisselectbook.com/en/2026/06/22/rated-100-100-on-yuka-this-typology-skincare-product-made-in-france-is-billed-as-the-new-alternative-to-botox/

4 Sneaky Signs You Might Have Psoriasis

From eatingwell.com 

Psoriasis may have some common symptoms, but not all skin looks the same

KEY POINTS

• Psoriasis symptoms vary and can include plaques, nail changes and discomfort like itching or pain.
• Stress management, a healthy diet and proper skin care can help reduce psoriasis flares.
• Early diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist can improve quality of life for people with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects more than 8 million people in the U.S. Caused by an overactive immune system, skin cells grow more quickly than they are shed, leading to flares of scaly skin that builds up in patches around the body.

While a health care provider like a dermatologist can diagnose you with psoriasis based on a skin exam and medical history, research indicates that there is often a delay in diagnosis—sometimes over the span of years, leading to late treatment and lower quality of life. We asked experts about things we might notice if we have psoriasis; here’s what they said.

                                                                                                  Credit:  Getty Images. EatingWell Design

1. You Have Patches in Hidden or Sensitive Areas

Common psoriasis symptoms include raised, red patches of skin with silvery-white scales, often appearing on areas like the elbows and knees. “In those cases, both patients and clinicians may quickly suspect psoriasis,” says dermatologist Sejal Shah, M.D. But symptoms can be subtle or misdiagnosed as eczema, a fungal infection, dandruff or contact dermatitis, she explains. 

However, patches can also be present in oft-missed areas, such as the scalp (which can look like dandruff), behind the ears, nails, genitals, hands, feet and skin folds like armpits, under the breasts and the groin, says Shah.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Psoriasis.

 “Because these areas may not have the classic scaling or may be sensitive or private, patients and even clinicians sometimes miss them,” she explains. 

Given dermatologists are accustomed to seeing skin on every part of the body, don’t be shy (or ashamed) about pointing out areas of concern on your body. 

2. Your Nails Have Changed

Psoriasis can affect the nails in up to half of people with the skin disease. “Psoriatic nails typically present with small indentations we call ‘nail pitting,’ along with ‘oil spots,’ which are clear yellowish discolorations that look like a drop of oil sitting under the nail,” says dermatologist Joel Spitz, M.D. He also notes that the nail plate can thicken. Interestingly enough, nail psoriasis and nail fungus can look similar. For some folks, nail psoriasis occurs without the tell-tale skin symptoms, making diagnosis even trickier.

3. You Have Plaques, But They’re Not Red

Redness is a common feature of psoriasis skin plaques—if you have lighter skin tones. “As with many dermatologic conditions, psoriasis can look quite different depending on a patient’s skin tone,” says Spitz. For example, if you have a darker complexion, “plaques tend to appear as darker, pigmented raised lesions with overlaying scale, often without the obvious redness seen in lighter skin,” he says. This can add to the challenge of diagnosis.

4. You Have Skin Pain & Discomfort

Psoriasis isn’t just something you see—you can feel it, too. “Psoriasis is often thought of as a cosmetic skin condition, but many patients experience burning, stinging, pain, severe itching, cracking or bleeding skin,” says Shah. This can be a detriment to your health and overall well-being in a variety of ways, including by affecting your sleep, mood and daily functioning, she says.

Unfortunately, research suggests that pain associated with psoriasis is often underrecognized and inadequately managed. “Many treatment plans still focus more on visible skin clearance than on symptom burden like pain or sleep disruption,” adds Shah.  

Tips for Managing Psoriasis

Psoriasis is treated in a variety of ways, and often a well-rounded treatment plan has both medical and lifestyle components:

• Follow your dermatologist’s recommendations on topicals. There are a variety of topical medications that your derm might suggest based on your symptoms and their severity. Options that may be considered include corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D or a calcineurin inhibitor.
• Consider systemic medications. Some people with psoriasis benefit from powerful systemic medications (meaning one that travels throughout the bloodstream to treat the whole body) called biologics. “[These] have allowed many patients to achieve and maintain completely clear skin as long as they stay on therapy,” says Spitz. 
• Focus on stress. “Stress management is important because emotional stress is one of the biggest triggers and can worsen inflammation and immune responses, leading to flare-ups,” says Shah. This, in turn, can worsen emotional stress from the condition.
• Practice good skin care. Avoid harsh soaps and over-scrubbing, and make sure to moisturize skin regularly and well with a thick emollient, says Shah.
• Maintain a healthy diet. What you eat matters for your skin and overall health, and some people may notice that their skin flares are associated with foods like ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, red meat, dairy or gluten, says Shah. “Anti-inflammatory diets rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3s may be helpful,” she says. This eating pattern can also help you maintain a healthy weight for your body and reduce inflammation.

Our Expert Take

Psoriasis signs and symptoms can take many forms, including plaques that appear in less obvious or sensitive areas of the body, changes to the nails and other varied characteristics depending on your skin tone. In addition, psoriasis symptoms can also involve itch, pain and sleep disruption. For diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan, see a board-certified dermatologist. Lifestyle management, including a healthy diet and stress reduction, can help reduce flares and improve quality of life.

https://www.eatingwell.com/sneaky-signs-you-might-have-psoriasis-11970790

Did you know your nails can signal psoriasis? Doctor shares 5 changes in hands and nails indicating underlying disease

From hindustantimes.com

Your hands and nails can offer warning signs of underlying disease and even chronic conditions like arthritis or psoriasis. Dr Sood shares 5 signs

Long before a health condition becomes obvious, the body often sends out quiet, easily overlooked signals that something isn’t quite right. While some warning signs are well known, others can seem unusual or unrelated at first glance - making them harder to recognise or connect to an underlying illness. This is where awareness becomes powerful, especially when it comes to subtle changes in the hands and nails that can offer valuable clues about what’s happening inside the body.

Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, has highlighted five key changes in the nails and hands that may signal underlying health issues - and in some cases, chronic conditions such as arthritis or psoriasis. In an Instagram video shared on December 9, the physician explains that recognising these subtle signs early can aid in identifying serious health conditions and support timely diagnosis and treatment.

Clubbing

According to Dr Kunal Sood, clubbing causes the fingertips to appear rounded with curved nails as the soft tissue enlarges - a physical change that can sometimes signal underlying lung or heart disease. He explains, “It occurs when megakaryocytes bypass the lungs and release growth factors like VEGF and PDGF at the fingertips. It is linked to chronic lung disease (lung cancer, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis) and heart conditions with long-term low oxygen such as cyanotic congenital heart disease or endocarditis.”

Spoon-shaped nails

Koilonychia or spoon-shaped nails might be an early warning sign of iron deficiency anaemia. Dr Sood highlights, “Koilonychia creates thin, concave nails due to impaired keratin formation when iron-dependent enzymes weaken. It often reflects iron deficiency from blood loss, heavy periods, low intake, malabsorption, or increased need in pregnancy. These nail changes can precede other symptoms for months.”

Red nail streaks

If you notice red streaks on your nails, Dr Sood states that it might be an indication of blood vessel inflammation. He explains, “Splinter haemorrhages look like red-brown lines under the nails from ruptured capillaries. While trauma is common, multiple streaks or those near the nail base raise concern for systemic conditions such as vasculitis, lupus, connective-tissue disease, or infective endocarditis.”

Swollen finger joints

Swollen joints on your fingers are a classic sign of arthritis. The physician points out, “Swelling may reflect osteoarthritis from cartilage loss or inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis involving synovial inflammation. Because trauma, gout or metabolic issues can mimic this finding, clinical exam and imaging help distinguish causes.”

Pitting in nails

According to Dr Sood, pitting in nails is a hallmark sign of nail-matrix involvement in psoriasis. He elaborates, “About one-third of psoriasis patients show pits, and prevalence increases with disease duration. It may accompany discoloration, thickening or onycholysis and is common in psoriatic arthritis, making it a useful early clue.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/did-you-know-your-nails-can-signal-psoriasis-doctor-shares-5-changes-in-hands-and-nails-that-indicate-underlying-diseas-101765380863882.html

 

How Does Psoriasis Affect the Hands?

From healthcentral.com

Learn the ways this chronic skin condition can cause rashes and lesions on your skin, plus the best ways to treat it 

Most people think nothing of giving a high-five, but if you have psoriasis on your hands, you likely cringe just thinking about it. This type of contact with another person can be painful and sometimes embarrassing.

“Patches of psoriasis affecting the thick skin of the palms tends to crack, bleed, and cause painful fissures,” says Joel Gelfand, M.D., a professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Let’s take a closer look at exactly how your hands can be affected by psoriasis, where on the hands psoriasis generally appears, and what you can do to treat it.

                                                                            Getty Images/Jatuphol Aroonsawasd

Where on the Hand Psoriasis Can Occur

According to the Cleveland Clinic, psoriasis on your hands can target your:

• Fingernails

• Fingers

• Nails

• Palms

• Skin on top of the hand

• Webbing between fingers

• Wrists

Appearance of Hand Psoriasis

Psoriasis can occur from your wrist to your fingernails. Psoriasis on the hands often varies from predominantly pustular lesions to thick hyperkeratotic plaques, according to the journal Dermatologic Therapy. Like elsewhere on the body, psoriasis on the hands can appear as itchy, scaling, and reddened skin plaques.

Psoriasis on the nails can cause multiple irregularities of the nails including pitting, crumbling, thickening, discoloration, white or reddish spots, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. Though sometimes mistaken for nail fungus, nail psoriasis looks a little different.

Lesions and plaques caused by psoriasis can be so disabling that doing anything with your hands during a flare can feel impossible. Plus, it’s awkward to explain to a curious outsider what’s going on with your skin. If you have hand psoriasis (or think you might), here’s what’s going on and how you can keep it from disrupting your life.

                                                                    Psoriasis on hands. Cureus/© 2021, P et al.

Symptoms of Hand Psoriasis

While symptoms can vary from one person to the next, these are some of the tell-tale signs of psoriasis, based on which part of your hand it occurs on.

Palms and Fingers

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, when you have psoriasis on your palms and fingers you may experience red/discoloured, dry, and thickened skin, as well as deep cracks on the skin. You may also have limited movement with your hands including grip strength or be limited in your ability to shake hands. That’s why when psoriasis strikes the hands, it is known to have an outsize effect.

Nails

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common features of nail psoriasis is onycholysis (nail plate separating from the nailbed) and nail plate pitting. You may also notice nail discoloration, especially if the nail has lifted from the nailbed. If the psoriasis that is attacking your nails goes untreated, it can result in a loss of the affected nails.

Prevalence of Hand Psoriasis

The prevalence of psoriasis varies around the world with about 3% of the U.S. population living with the condition. Out of those with psoriasis anywhere on their body, about 1 in 5 have psoriasis on the hands (and interestingly, about the same percentage have psoriasis on their feet).

Nail psoriasis is much more common with about half of the people with psoriasis having it on their nails. Across a lifetime, almost everyone (90%) of those with psoriasis will experience nail psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Causes of Hand Psoriasis

Psoriasis can show up anywhere on the body. Whether it is on your hands, feet, or scalp, the root cause of psoriasis is an overactive immune system. That overactive immune system may trigger a psoriasis flare due to one of these factors:

• Environment

• Genetics

• Lifestyle (such as smoking)

• Stress

• Skin injury

• Illness such as strep throat

• Cold weather/decreased sunlight

Types of Hand Psoriasis

While colloquially people describe skin plaques and pain in this area as hand psoriasis, technically there are several subtypes of the chronic skin disease, depending specific symptoms and where exactly on your hands it appears. Types of hand psoriasis include:

Palmoplantar Psoriasis

This form of psoriasis appears only on the palms and/or the bottoms of the feet, and accounts for less than 5% of psoriasis cases, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Palmoplantar psoriasis can be extremely pain, making those high-fives and handshakes really uncomfortable. In some cases, symptoms can seriously disrupt your life. In at least one study, people with palmoplantar psoriasis were significantly more likely to have problems with mobility, self-care, and other everyday activities.

Treatment for palmoplantar psoriasis can be tricky. The condition is likely to lead to secondary fungal infections and people sometimes have allergic reactions to the topical medications they’re using for treatment. Those with palmoplantar psoriasis also tend to be hypersensitive to touch.

“Making matters even more difficult is that palmoplantar psoriasis is often resistant to treatment,” Dr. Gelfand says. “Current treatments, even our newest biologics, often have limited benefit for psoriasis of the palms.”

Dactylitis

Dactylitis is sometimes referred to as “sausage” fingers. Dactylitis is linked to psoriatic arthritis and most frequently appears in those whose psoriasis is advancing into psoriatic arthritis.

Dactylitis often involves painful swelling along your entire finger or toe, not just around one of the joints. It can be one of the first signs of psoriatic arthritis—even if you do not have psoriasis on your hands. Anti-inflammatory drugs, either over-the-counter or prescription, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may provide some relief. If your fingers start to swell, let your doctor know as soon as possible because early treatment can improve later outcomes.

Enthesitis

Enthesitis typically occurs in people whose psoriasis has evolved into psoriatic arthritis. Enthesitis the swelling of the entheses, or the connective tissue that joins ligaments and tendons to the bones in your hands. Your fingers may feel stiff and painful, but unlike dactylitis, you may not have visible swelling. Your dermatologist may suggest an oral or injectable anti-inflammatory to relieve the ache.

Nail Disease

Psoriasis causes your skin cells to reproduce much more quickly than they should thanks to an overactive immune system. Since your nails are part of the skin, psoriasis can develop under the cuticle and wreak havoc on the growth and health of your nails. As a result, you may see pitting, vertical ridges, discoloration, and separation from the nail bed. Estimates of nail psoriasis range from about 50% to as high as 80% in those with psoriasis.

Treatment of Hand Psoriasis

The treatments used for hand psoriasis are the same used for other forms of plaque psoriasis. There is no single best approach: Which treatment your doctor recommends will depend on a variety of factors such as how severe your psoriasis on your hands is, how long you have had psoriatic disease, and what other treatments you have already tried. Some of the more common treatments include:

Topicals

Topical medications are applied directly to the skin. They come in different forms such as lotions, tars, and bath solutions. There are helpful topical medications available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription. Some of the topicals that are now available are natural products made for sensitive skin.

The National Psoriasis Foundation keeps a list of products that are intended to be non-irritating for people with psoriasis. Your doctor may also prescribe a stronger topical to help bring your symptoms under control.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy for psoriasis, involves holding your hands under an ultraviolet light source on a regular basis. Ultraviolet light from the sun or an artificial light has a profound immunosuppressive effect. There are few side effects of phototherapy which is one explanation of why it has been around so long. Your dermatologist will have a medical UV light designed with a wavelength to best treat psoriasis.

Oral Treatments

For more advanced cases of psoriasis, your doctor may prescribe a systemic medication to be taken as a pill. Instead of acting locally on just your hands, some of the newer oral treatments can selectively target molecules inside of your immune cells to help reduce inflammation at the source—think of it as treating your psoriasis more upstream. If you are also living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an oral treatment may be prescribed that can treat your psoriasis and PsA simultaneously.

Biologics

Biologics are delivered by injection or infusion and target a specific part of your immune system, depending on which biologic you are prescribed. Studies have indicated that biologics can successfully manage previously difficult to treat psoriasis, such as on the hands and nails, according to the Journal of Clinical Medicine. The cost of biologic treatment can be challenging, even with health insurance. If you are unable to afford the medicine you are prescribed, talk to your doctor. There are a variety of programs designed to help meet the financial needs associated with biologic treatment.

How to Manage Hand Psoriasis

While there’s no cure for psoriasis, there are some things that you can do to ease symptoms that affect your hands.

See Your Dermatologist

Even if you have psoriasis on other parts of your body, you want to make sure that your new hand outbreak is indeed psoriasis and not another condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dry and itchy skin can be caused by a number of conditions, including eczema. It’s not only difficult to tell the difference between the two (especially in kids), but you can have both at the same time. Similarly, if your finger joints are suddenly sore, you will need to rule out overuse, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or a virus such as Lyme disease.

Work With an Occupational Therapist

If you are dealing with psoriatic arthritis along with psoriasis, stiffness and swelling can be significant issues and you may benefit from working with an occupational therapist. “Many occupational therapists specialize in hand therapy and provide a variety of treatment options to assist with hand discomfort,” says Aleksandra Radjen, Ph.D., a physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. What’s more, they help you improve the use of your hands and maintain the skills you need to live your everyday life.

Stay on Top of Your Overall Treatment Plan

By treating your psoriasis aggressively, you can help lessen its impact on your body overall. So take your meds regularly and on time, keep your body moving, and try to stick to a plant-based diet.

Protect Your Hands

Preventing hand injuries is extra important if you have psoriasis. Wear gloves or other protective gear whenever possible, including when you’re doing everyday chores like washing dishes or weeding the garden. New lesions can develop from a cut, bruise, or burn, a tendency known as the Koebner phenomenon (named after the dermatologist who discovered it, Heinrich Koebner).

Practice Good Nail Care

They need to be protected just as much as your skin: Use tools instead of your fingernails to open packaging; keep them short to prevent ripping; and avoid the harsh chemicals that can be found in some nail polishes and polish removers, which can weaken your nails even further. And don’t forget the moisturizer.

“Moisturize them every day with an emollient cream or ointment,” says Tamy Buckel, M.D., a dermatologist in Chestertown, MD.

Talk to a Mental Health Pro

If you feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or if your hand psoriasis is preventing you from doing the things you enjoy, it may be time to talk to someone about it. A counsellor, therapist, or even a psychodermatologist can be a great addition to your care team.

Never heard of a psychodermatologist? That’s probably because it’s a new subspecialty of dermatology and psychiatry, and it was created because healthcare professionals who recognized that having a skin condition can cause stress and anxiety.

Bottom line? Dealing with daily pain—whether it’s your hands, feet, or anywhere else on your body—is exhausting. If you have hand psoriasis, you do not need to go at this alone. Seek out the advice of dermatologist, who can guide you toward treatments and lifestyle changes to make your world a little easier.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriasis/psoriasis-on-hands