Term: Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus)
Definition (plain English):
Chronic skin conditions that may also affect the nails.
Examples:
- Psoriasis: causes nail pitting, oil spots, and onycholysis.
- Eczema: causes ridges, brittleness, or chronic paronychia.
- Lichen planus: causes ridging, thinning, and pterygium formation.
How it relates to nails:
Since nails are part of the skin system, chronic skin inflammation can extend to the nail matrix and bed, producing visible changes.
Confusable with:
Onychomycosis (fungal infection), trauma, or ageing-related changes.
Disclaimer:
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis. Always seek medical advice if you are concerned.
