red lanula (nail)

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • reddish lunulae (the nail lunula is often referred to as “moons” of the nail - the lunula is in fact the front end of the matrix) has been reported in association with various conditions:
    • alopecia areata
    • patients on oral prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis
    • collagen vascular disease
    • cardiac failure
    • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • cirrhosis
    • chronic urticaria
    • psoriasis
    • carbon monoxide poisoning

Reference:

  1. Zaiac MN, Daniel CR. Nails in systemic disease Dermatologic Therapy 2002;15 (2); 99–106.