What condition causes nails to appear ridged?

Nail psoriasis is the condition that causes nails to appear ridged. This skin disorder not only affects the skin but can also impact the nails, leading to various changes. One prominent feature of nail psoriasis is the development of ridges or pitting on the nail surface. These ridges occur due to the rapid turnover of skin cells, which affects the nail matrix, where new nail cells are formed.

Ridges in nail psoriasis can vary in depth and regularity, and they often accompany other symptoms such as discoloration and nail thickening. Understanding this association helps in recognizing and diagnosing nail psoriasis, especially in clients presenting with these symptoms.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned don't primarily result in nail ridging. Onychophagy, or nail biting, can lead to irregular nail shapes or damage but does not typically cause ridges. Agnails, or hangnails, refer to painful bits of torn skin around the nails and are unrelated to the nail plate itself. Leukonychia involves white spots or patches on the nails, not ridges, and can result from trauma or other systemic issues. Understanding the distinct characteristics of these conditions enables better identification and treatment in a clinical setting.