What is a common symptom of nail psoriasis?

A common symptom of nail psoriasis includes the presence of pitting, ridges, or discoloration of the nails. This condition affects the nails by causing various changes in their texture and appearance. Pitting refers to the small indentations that can develop on the nail surface, while ridges may appear as lines running vertically or horizontally across the nail. Discoloration can manifest as changes in the color of the nails, often resulting in yellow or brown spots.

These symptoms arise from the underlying inflammation associated with psoriasis, which disrupts the normal growth and health of the nails. Nail psoriasis is not merely cosmetic; it reflects the systemic nature of psoriasis as it can indicate more extensive skin involvement. In contrast, other symptoms listed, such as skin discoloration, swelling of the cuticles, and excessive dryness of the hands, are not directly characteristic of nail psoriasis and may relate to other skin conditions or nail disorders.