Tiny pits or severe roughness on the surface of the nail plate indicates which condition?

The presence of tiny pits or severe roughness on the surface of the nail plate is characteristic of nail psoriasis. This condition occurs when the immune system triggers an accelerated growth of skin cells, leading to changes in the nails, such as pitting, ridges, and discoloration. The pits appear as small depressions in the nail surface, which can vary in size and depth, contributing to the overall rough texture.

Other conditions have distinct signs that differentiate them from nail psoriasis. Ingrown nails typically present with pain and swelling at the sides of the nail and don't usually cause pitting. A local infection would generally manifest with redness, swelling, and possibly discharge, rather than surface irregularities like pitting. Athlete's foot primarily affects the skin of the feet rather than the nails and presents symptoms like itching, redness, and peeling skin, but does not typically involve the nail plate itself.