… and as I know diseases and stuff can show up in your fingernails I’d appreciate if anyone could help out. On my right hand my thumbnail has become almost completely pitted with tiny clear indentations. The middle and ring finger on that hand have them too, as does the index finger, a little. There are very faint suggestions of the indetations on other nails too.
I was hoping some medical person could help out. I don’t want to go to the doctor with it unless I’m sure it can’t be diagnosed any other way. Searches of the internet have just resulted in lists of abnormalities which don’t include this one.
Are you right handed? In general (repeat, in general) when systemic disease (e.g., arsenic poisoning, etc.) show up in fingernails they show up in fingernails of both hands. The fact that it is mostly your right hand that is affected suggests that you may be exposing the nails of your right hand to something that is causing the pitting.
"Pitting of the nails can occur with several connective tissue diseases, and fungal infections. Psoriatic arthritis commonly has pitting and ridged nails as a symptom.
Psoriatic arthritis is called a spondylarthropathy. It can develop with arthritis in any joint, including the spine. It also has as a feature, psoriasis. Treatment for psoriatic arthritis depends on the specific symptoms being manifested. Treatments include: NSAIDs, methotrexate, steroids, topical medications (for the psoriasis)."
Thanks a lot, guys. I’d love to diagnose myself with ALL of these problems, and go out and buy loads of books on spondylarthropathy and thyroid disorder and take NSAIDs, methotrexate, steroids, topical medications and vitamin C, but… given the variety of your responses, and my previous history of medical paranoia, I think I’ll mention it next time I see my doctor.
Interestingly the only thing I do with only my right hand (STOP IT) is crack the knuckles. I’ll ask Dr Nicebloke.