Rheumatoid Arthritis Nail Changes: Ridges, Yellowing, and More – Healthline

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect your:

• joints
• organs
• energy level

If you have RA, your immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy parts of your body leading to inflammation and fatigue. RA may even lead to changes in your nails, such as the development of vertical ridges or a yellowing and thickening.

Changes to your nails can be signs of RA or other systemic conditions and should be diagnosed by a doctor.

Most nail changes from RA do not need to be treated independently from the condition. RA can be managed with medication, and treatment may improve changes to your nails. If left untreated, RA can damage your joints and the bones that surround them permanently.

Changes to your nails may be a symptom of RA or another condition.

Nail changes related to RA are generally not painful and do not require specialized treatment. One 1997 study found that longitudinal ridging was significantly associated with RA and noted that those with RA could experience other nail changes, but those were not as consistent.

Longitudinal ridging

Longitudinal ridging, or onychorrhexis, is when your nails have lines that run parallel from the bottom to the top of the nail. These lines create subtle or deep grooves along the nail.

You may seek treatments beyond RA management for the ridging to protect your nails, though nail ridging alone is not treated with a topical. What you can do at home is take care of your nails by applying moisturizers, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, and practicing nail hygiene by keeping your nails trimmed and clean.

Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome occurs when your nails become thicker and yellow in color. The white half-moon shapes at the bottom of your nail may disappear. The sides of the nail may begin to curve.

This condition can occur if you have RA. According to the National Organization of Rare Disorders, research suggests it might occur due to certain medications used to treat RA, but further studies are needed. Ask your doctor or a dermatologist for treatment options to try that are right for your specific situation.

Splinter hemorrhages

Red streaks or lines under your nails might be the sign of splinter hemorrhages. Capillaries leaking under the nail cause these lines. You could develop these from RA, but nail trauma, nail fungus, and health conditions like endocarditis can also be causes.

Splinter hemorrhages may disappear with time or grow out with your nail. RA treatment may take care of recurring …….

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-nail-changes