Table of Contents
What do lupus fingernails look like?
Lupus fingernails can display a wide range of physical changes. The most common sign is the appearance of a raised, scaly red rash across the fingers, knuckles, and elbows. The rash can come and go and is often referred to as “butterfly rash” due to its distinctive shape.
Additionally, some people with lupus can experience changes to their fingernails. These changes can include discoloration, thickening of the nails, deterioration of the nail bed, and “oil spots” where small patches of white have appeared.
The nails can also appear to be separating from the fingers due to swelling and dryness around the nail bed. In some cases, people may also experience changes in the appearance and texture of the nails, such as ridges, splits, or grooves in the nails.
These fingernail changes are typically an indicator of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). If you notice any of these changes or other symptoms that could indicate lupus, it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
What are the signs of lupus in your fingernails?
One of the signs of lupus in your fingernails is the nail becoming discolored. This discoloration could range from pale, yellowish-white to deep, dark blue-gray. It may appear in just 1 or 2 nails, or throughout all of the nails.
In addition, lupus can cause vertical ridges in the nails, which look like tiny ridges running up and down the nail plate. Splitting of the nails, particularly of the thumb and the ring fingers, is also a symptom of lupus.
Additionally, lupus can cause your fingernails to become brittle, break easily, and take a very long time to grow. Finally, lupus can cause the skin around your nails to become red and inflamed and your nails can become pitted or have raised bumps or nodules on the surface.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
People who have lupus often experience a range of daily struggles. These struggles can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual circumstances, but some of the most common issues include:
Fatigue: Lupus can cause extreme fatigue due to the body’s overproduction of antinuclear antibodies, which attack healthy cells rather than invading bacteria and viruses. This can leave those with lupus feeling exhausted, especially during flares.
Pain: Lupus can cause inflammation and pain in joints, muscles, and skin, which can lead to further fatigue due to lack of sleep and reduced activity as a result.
Cognitive/Memory Issues: Lupus can lead to “brain fog,” a feeling of mental confusion and memory troubles. This can affect daily tasks such as job performance and overall functioning.
Skin Problems: Lupus rashes, mouth sores, and sun sensitivity can all cause issues for those with lupus.
Hair Loss: Lupus may cause temporary or permanent hair loss, often resulting in feelings of self-consciousness or insecurity for those affected.
Mental Health: Having lupus can be difficult to cope with, as it often results in unpredictable and severe symptoms. People may also struggle to adjust to life with a chronic illness. This can put a strain on mental health and lead to problems like depression and anxiety.
The daily struggles of lupus are numerous, but there are effective treatment options available. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to come up with a plan to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What are usually the first signs of lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect many parts of the body, and the first signs can depend on which type of lupus is present. The most common type of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),, can cause a wide variety of symptoms, and some people may not experience the same ones.
Common early warning signs of SLE include extreme fatigue, joint pain and swelling, a butterfly-shaped facial rash that appears on the cheeks and upper bridge of the nose, sensitivity to ultraviolet or bright lights, anemia, a decrease in blood count, chest pain, and an enlarged liver or spleen.
As the illness progresses, symptoms can include fever, swelling of the legs, trouble breathing, hair loss, seizures, and changes in behavior.
Other forms of lupus, such as cutaneous and drug-induced lupus, have more distinct symptoms. Cutaneous lupus can present as a rash on the face, scalp, and other areas of the body that are exposed to the sun.
It can also cause skin lesions on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Drug-induced lupus can have symptoms similar to those of SLE, with some additional effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Regardless of the type, it is important to seek medical attention if any symptoms or suspicious changes in the body are experienced. With early diagnosis and treatment, people living with lupus can live a long and healthy life.
What is lupus hair?
Lupus hair is a symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is characterized by a dry, brittle texture and complete or partial hair loss. Hair loss is usually focal, patchy, and non-inflammatory.
It may begin suddenly or develop gradually over time. The scalp is generally the most affected, but other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, and arms, may also be affected. This can result in a noticeable change in appearance that may be distressing for individuals.
Although lupus hair is not dangerous, it can cause people to experience a great deal of emotional distress. Any changes to the hair should always be discussed with a doctor, who will be able to diagnose, monitor, and manage the condition accordingly.
What are fingernail ridges a symptom of?
Fingernail ridges, also known as “Beau’s lines”, are horizontal or vertical depressions in the fingernail and are easily seen with the naked eye. They are often found on one or more of the nails and can be either parallel or diagonal.
Fingernail ridges can be a symptom of an underlying health issue and often indicate an interruption in the normal nail formation.
Common causes of fingernail ridges include: illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, circulation problems, anaemia, syphilis, and psoriasis; use of certain medications; deficiencies in zinc, calcium, vitamin B12, and other nutrients; trauma to the nail; fungal infection; and aging.
People who suffer from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease or Reynaud’s Syndrome may also experience fingernail ridges.
If fingernail ridges appear suddenly and last for more than a few weeks, it is best to have a doctor check it. They may conduct tests to rule out other health problems aside from fingernail ridges. Treatment of fingernail ridges depends on the underlying cause and could include nutritional supplementation, changes in lifestyle and/or medications.
What are the nail symptoms of lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect many different parts of the body, and the nails can be impacted as well. Common nail symptoms include:
1.Nail pitting: This is when the nail bed is marked by small depressions, creating a pattern similar to the surface of an orange peel.
2.Vertical lines: These are often referred to as Muehrcke’s lines and can be identified by the presence of two or more horizontal stripes or ridges in the nail plate.
3.Ridges: These are similar to vertical lines, but are ridges instead of stripes.
4.Yellowing: Lupus can cause the nails to become yellow and brittle.
5.Discoloration: This can take the form of pale, white patches on the nails, usually at the base of the nail.
6.Splitting: As a result of the low levels of keratin in the nails, they can become brittle and split after a period of time.
7.Onycholysis: This is where the nail separates from the underlying layer of skin at the base of the nail.
These are all potential symptoms of lupus and can impact the health and appearance of the nails. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Why does rheumatologist look at fingernails?
Rheumatologists look at fingernails for a variety of reasons. These include examining the color, texture, and shape of the nail to look for clues about underlying health conditions. For instance, changes in the texture of the nail, such as ridging, pitting, or thinning, may indicate psoriasis or another autoimmune disorder.
Additionally, discoloration or small red or white spots on the nail may indicate a fungal nail infection. Finally, changes in the shape of the nail, such as clubbing or the development of spoon nails, could indicate other medical conditions, such as malnutrition or infections.
As such, looking carefully at the fingernails can be an easy and non-invasive diagnostic tool for rheumatologists.
Do fingernails show signs of RA?
Fingernails can be an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly in more severe cases. Certain nail changes, such as ridging, pitting, discoloration, thickening, and loosening, can be a sign of inflammation in the joints and underlying tissue around the fingernails caused by the condition.
It is important to note that while fingernails can be an indicator of RA, they are not the only indicator, and some people might only experience severe joint pain and swelling rather than nail changes.
Your healthcare provider can best diagnose the condition through a physical examination and medical history. If you notice any changes in your nails, it is important to have them evaluated by your doctor.
