My finger nails are changing...

[Staywildmoonchild]

Boy do i feel a plonker writing this but....my thumb nail and index nail have created this bump above the cuticle. All my other nails are flat coming from the cuticle but these 2 have developed a bulge that is much more obvious with the naked eye and camera. Could this be RA? Or am i literally turning into the biggest hypochondriac? Eeeeeek

[Rubyroo1]

I think it could be, during my first appointment with a Rhemy he felt my fingernails and commented that my right hand thumb nail was bumpy and had I noticed any change in it, its always been funny but, I thought it was odd that he looked at my fingernails, there must be some reason why he looked at them ?! That was before I had the def diagnosis of RA.

[oKerrio]

It’s because your nails are a big tell tale sign with diagnosing RA if they are pitted etc.

[Staywildmoonchild]

Thank you both!

Mine arent pitted. I get the splinter lines quite often but ive noticed these bulges on thumb and index finger only this week. They feel very bizare

[Suzimg in reply to Staywildmoonchild]

Hello, I know this was two years ago but did you ever find out what the bumps were on your nails, I have exactly the same and a worrier. Kind regards

[Joodee]

Hi, wow, this is really interesting and in no way are you a plonker, for asking this question staywildmoonchild. I have had RA for 31 years and have the same bulge on both thumb nails, although a lot more pronounced than your photo, Nobody has ever attributed it to the RA, i just thought it was due to me damaging the cuticles somehow. It continually amazes me how much information about RA this community has and is willing to share. Keep it up everyone and keep well.

[stbernhard]

I have had bumps like that from time to time most of my adult life. I certainly would not connect it to RA, but I have no medical qualifications so you best ask your GP if you are really worried. All he best.

[oldtimer]

Are your blood tests OK? Sometimes this can be a sign of low iron I think. But best to discuss this with your health care team.

[Soreknees2016]

I have Psoriatic Arthritis and have similar nail deformities, plus vertical ridges, and basically my nails are ruined! Not sure if this is common in RA but I believe this is a fairly typical symptom of PsA, along with the joint pain. Maybe worth further investigation?

[NeonkittyUK]

Yes I have got thumb nail bumps and a few small vertical Iines on my other fingernails and also attributed them to damaged cuticles and my over zealous manicuring perhaps, but was then told it was a sign of RA. I could not wear a definite nail colour as it shows the ridges but I am not a bright nail polish person and just wear a light protective covering of something clear or slightly iridescent and it detracts from the bumps. They are half way up on both thumb nails.

[alsowondering]

Did you ever figure out what this was? My thumb looks exactly like this all of a sudden.