What might a small red spot under my nail suggest about my health?

A small red spot under your nail may be a sign of nail psoriasis, a condition that affects the nail bed and matrix. Nail psoriasis often causes discoloration, pitting, or reddish "salmon patches" beneath the nail, and it can occur with or without skin psoriasis elsewhere on the body.

Because red spots under the nails can also point to other issues—like a splinter hemorrhage, trauma, fungal infection, or in rare cases a circulatory concern—it's important to identify the likely cause before deciding on next steps. The fastest way to narrow it down is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, helping you understand what may be going on and whether you should see a dermatologist or another specialist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026