What Causes Small Dents on the Nails?

In daily life, nails may exhibit abnormal growth patterns, such as vertical ridges, horizontal grooves, or uneven surfaces. What causes small pits or depressions on the nails?

What Causes Small Pits on the Nails?

Small pits on the nails may result from dry weather or inadequate nail nutrition—particularly deficiencies in trace elements such as iron and zinc. If numerous pinpoint depressions appear alongside large, reddish plaques on the nails—and if these plaques become scaly or flaky when scratched—a medical evaluation is warranted to determine whether the condition is nail psoriasis, which requires prompt and active treatment.

Small nail pits may also stem from calcium deficiency. Calcium insufficiency can lead to irregular nail texture and horizontal ridges. Patients are advised to supplement calcium appropriately to alleviate symptoms and consume foods rich in vitamin D and calcium regularly. Alternatively, protein deficiency may cause pitting or perforations in the nails. Patients should consider incorporating protein-rich foods into their diet, such as soy products, meat, nuts, eggs, and milk.

Zinc deficiency may also contribute to this condition. Vitamin deficiencies—especially of vitamins A, B, C, and D—can cause nails to become soft, brittle, layered, pale, pitted, or vertically ridged. Patients should consult a healthcare provider for trace-element testing and receive targeted supplementation based on laboratory results. During recovery, maintaining local nail hygiene is essential. We hope this information proves helpful.