Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion General Message Board for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases Fingernails lifting

I’m looking for any opinions or experiences that may relate... my fingernails are separating from the nail bed on three of my fingers. There is no pitting or discoloration and I’ve never had psoriasis. I’m two years into this inflammatory arthritis journey and it has presented as enthesitis, mostly in my hips and knees. Leflunomide seems to have brought the pain and stiffness under control these past four months but just as the pain subsided this pesky fingernail lifting started. My rheumatologist made note of it but has not offered any suggestions. I’m wondering if I should go see my family doctor or a dermatologist. Thoughts?

It's a side effect of the leflunomide. The condition is called onycholysis. To fix it, you may have to stop the leflunomide and try something else.

so grateful to have you on this forum!