Why do my nails look funny?

Symptoms:

A deep, red rash on your body and scalp that sheds silvery scales, pitting of your fingernails resembling the surface of a thimble, your toenails are thickened and lift up from the nail’s base.

You have patches on your skin that have a shiny surface plus white spots in your mouth and on your scalp. The surface of your fingernails and toenails is uneven and ridged.

Your fingernails have become ridged and bumpy, you’ve been losing your hair, you have developed patchy, bald areas.

It could be:

Psoriasis, an inflammation of the skin due to an autoimmune reaction where cell turnover is increased.

Lichen planus which usually comes on in middle age, especially in women. It’s not a serious condition but should be monitored because there’s an increased risk of developing oral cancer.

Alopecia areata (AA), a hair loss disorder caused by an autoimmune reaction which attacks hair follicles.

Stop it:

You need treatment by a dermatologist which involves ultraviolet light, tar ointments and maybe steroids which may bring about a remission. Your skin will clear, but stress or an infection may bring the psoriasis back.

There’s no cure for lichen planus. Mild cases don’t need any treatment and may get better on their own. You can be given medicines to reduce itching and mouth inflammation.

Injecting steroids into the scalp with a tiny needle may work, as may applying cream of minoxidil which can stimulate hair growth.