What might a red spot under my nail indicate about my health?

A red spot under your nail can be a sign of nail psoriasis, a condition that causes visible changes such as red or salmon-colored spots (often called "oil drop" spots), pitting, discoloration, or thin red lines beneath the nail. These changes happen when psoriasis affects the nail bed or matrix, and they can appear on both fingernails and toenails. While nail psoriasis is a common cause, red spots under the nail can also indicate other issues, such as splinter hemorrhages, trauma, fungal infection, or, in rare cases, more serious conditions.

Because the causes vary widely, the smartest next step is to understand what your specific symptoms may point to before deciding whether to see a doctor. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down likely causes based on your unique situation and guide you toward appropriate next steps — saving you time, worry, and unnecessary guesswork.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026