Reddened nail beds - pred side effect?

[Viola1]

I have reddened nail beds on my thumbs and now starting on my index fingers and also some pitting on one thumb. Could this be a side effect of prednisone? I have PMR/GCA since March 2018 and I’m currently on 11 mg prednisone.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Changes in the colour of nails can be signs of underlying systemic disease - but there may also be perfectly innocent causes such as not having removed nail polish properly!! I think you should speak to your doctor about it when you have the chance but I don't think it is likely to be due to pred, it is certainly not a complaint I've heard before.

Have you any other symptoms that have developed recently?

[Viola1 in reply to PMRpro]

No other symptoms except for about six months some skin red spots that I described below. Here’s where I saw the link to Prednisone in a Google search:

Red lunula has been associated with alopecia areata, and collagen vascular disease. It has also occurred in patients on oral prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis. Red lunulae are seen in cardiac failure, COPD, cirrhosis, chronic urticaria, psoriasis, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

[SheffieldJane]

Do you have Psoriasis Viola? It can affected the nails. I have it quite badly ( when it flares) and my toenails are affected and pitted. See your doctor though. Are you taking calcium, Vit D and Vit K? Just a thought.

[Viola1 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Since being on prednisone I have developed some red spots that don’t itch. I saw the doctor about this and was prescribed some steroid cream which helps them some. I don’t know if this might be psoriasis? I am taking those supplements as well as a few others. My nails are very strong.