Nails question
I've had plaque psoriasis for a few decades but have been lucky in not having nail issues that many have described in this community.
Lately though, I've been noticing some differences. I've never painted my fingernails much other than special occasions because I'm too hard on my hands in the kitchen and in the garden. I did buff them on occasion to smooth out the ridges, but in the past couple years I haven't even taken the time to do that - just trim them down as needed. I paint my toenails because it makes me happy and requires less effort to keep the polish looking presentable! I have no idea what might be going on under the polish at the moment, but my fingernails, I see throughout the course of every day.
Lately the ridges (vertical, not horizontal) have become more pronounced, and my nails have become more brittle, just over the past few months.
Does everyone have ridges and brittleness or is this something to mention to the dermatologist? Is it just because I've stopped buffing? Or is it age and/or hormone related (I'm 55)? Or am I worrying needlessly?
Hi, thanks for reaching out. While we do hear similar symptoms from our community members, reaching out to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have, is always a good idea. I wanted to send over this article in hopes that it can help you. I hope you can get relief. Jill, team member
https://plaquepsoriasis.com/clinical/pathogenesis-nail-psoriasisThat was helpful,
- thank you! I have had some of those symptoms from time to time over the years (horizontal lines and white spots), but not recently. And the horizontal ridging I have now isn't mentioned in the list, so it probably just means I need to buff my nails. lol 
Hi
! I have these vertical ridges too. Are they on all of your nails? I seem to have them on specific nails - nails that have a tendency to detach from the nail bed, and the nails of the fingers that swell up due to psoriatic arthritis - so I am inclined (in my case anyway) to think that they're related to my psoriasis. Having said that, I do know that we can get these lines as we age, and also that some other conditions and vitamin/mineral deficiencies can affect the nails. If you do get a chance to ask your doctor about this, I would be so interested to hear what they say! -Catherine, Community Moderator
