Alopecia Areata and Nail Changes: What You Need to Know

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition best known for causing patchy hair loss on the scalp and other hair-bearing areas. What’s less well known is that it can also involve the nails. Nail changes—particularly nail pitting—are seen in a significant subset of people with alopecia areata. Understanding these changes can help you recognize a broader pattern of immune activity and prompt timely discussion with your healthcare provider.

Common Nail Changes in Alopecia Areata

Studies show that up to 50–66% of people with alopecia areata develop some form of nail abnormality. The most frequent findings include:

• Nail pitting
– Tiny, shallow depressions on the nail surface, often described as “pinhead” marks
– Variable in size and number; may be arranged in rows or irregularly scattered
– Clinically similar to—but generally smaller and more irregular than—psoriatic pits (Baran & Dawber, 1984)

• Trachyonychia (“Twenty-Nail Dystrophy”)
– Rough, sandpaper-like nails affecting many or all fingernails and toenails
– Nails may appear opaque, thin, and brittle

• Beau’s Lines
– Transverse grooves or indentations across the nail plate indicating a temporary interruption in nail growth
– Reflect a past period of systemic stress or severe immune activity

• Onychorrhexis (Longitudinal Ridging)
– Vertical ridges running from cuticle to tip
– Nails may split along these ridges, leading to fragility

• Nail Bed Discoloration or Leukonychia
– White spots (punctate leukonychia) or diffuse whitening of the nail plate
– Often subtle and easily overlooked

Why Nails Are Affected

The nail unit—especially the nail matrix where nail plate cells form—is sensitive to immune-mediated damage, much like hair follicles in alopecia areata. Inflammatory cells infiltrate the nail matrix, disrupting normal nail formation. Key points:

• Autoimmune Attack
– T-lymphocytes target rapidly growing cells in hair follicles and nail matrix
– Results in “arrested” or abnormal cell production, manifesting as pits, ridges, or grooves

• Histopathologic Findings (Iorizzo et al., 2005)
– Peri-matrix lymphocytic infiltrates—a pattern similar to that seen around hair bulbs
– Miniaturization and dystrophy of nail matrix structures

• Correlation with Disease Severity
– More extensive or refractory alopecia areata tends to show more pronounced or widespread nail involvement
– Nail findings can serve as a marker of overall autoimmune activity

How Common Is Nail Pitting in Alopecia Areata?

Baran and Dawber’s classic 1984 study compared nail pits in psoriasis and alopecia areata. Their findings:

• Frequency in Alopecia Areata: Approximately 25–30% of patients
• Frequency in Psoriasis: Approximately 10–20%, but pits were larger and more uniform
• Clinical Tip: In alopecia areata, pits tend to be smaller, deeper, and more randomly distributed

Another study by Iorizzo et al. (2005) reviewed 82 patients with alopecia areata and found:

• 66% had at least one nail abnormality
• Nail pitting was among the most common changes
• Severity of nail changes correlated with extent of hair loss

Differentiating Nail Pitting: Alopecia Areata vs. Psoriasis

Because nail pitting also occurs in psoriasis, it’s important to look at accompanying signs:

Feature	Alopecia Areata	Psoriasis
Pit Size & Shape	Small, deep, irregular	Larger, shallow, uniform
Pit Distribution	Random clusters or linear streaks	More patterned, often in rows
Additional Nail Signs	Trachyonychia, Beau’s lines, ridging	Oil drop discoloration, onycholysis

If you have hair loss plus irregular nail pitting without classic psoriatic features (e.g., thick scaly plaques), alopecia areata is more likely.

Management of Nail Changes

There is no nail-specific cure, but treating the underlying alopecia areata often improves nail findings over months:

1. Topical or Intralesional Corticosteroids
   • Reduce local inflammation in the nail matrix
   • May improve pitting and ridging

2. Systemic Therapies (for extensive disease)
   • Oral corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, or JAK inhibitors
   • Can lead to nail improvement as overall immune activity decreases

3. Nail Care Measures
   • Keep nails trimmed short to minimize catching and splitting
   • Use moisturizers or nail-strengthening treatments
   • Avoid trauma (e.g., tight gloves, rough manicures)

4. Monitoring & Follow-Up
   • Regular photo documentation can track changes
   • Discuss any new nail symptoms promptly with your dermatologist

When to Seek Medical Advice

While nail changes in alopecia areata are usually harmless in themselves, they can signal active autoimmune disease. Speak to a doctor if you notice:

• Rapid or widespread nail pitting
• Pain, swelling, or signs of infection around the nail folds
• New hair loss patches appearing alongside nail changes
• Any symptoms that could indicate a systemic condition

If you’re curious whether your hair loss and nail symptoms point to alopecia areata, you might consider a free, online symptom check for Alopecia Areata. It’s a quick way to gather more information and decide if you should seek an in-person evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• Alopecia areata commonly affects nails—up to two-thirds of patients show changes.
• Nail pitting is the hallmark finding: small, irregular pits on the nail plate.
• Other features include trachyonychia, Beau’s lines, ridging, and brittle nails.
• Nail involvement reflects immune activity in the nail matrix, similar to hair follicles.
• Treating underlying alopecia can improve nail health; topical steroids and systemic agents may help.
• Always discuss new or worrisome nail changes with your healthcare provider.

Always remember: nail changes can be part of a broader autoimmune picture. If you have concerns—especially if you see rapid progression, pain, or infection—speak to a doctor to rule out anything serious or life-threatening.