Which condition is indicated by tiny pits or severe roughness on the nail surface?

Nail psoriasis is characterized by tiny pits or severe roughness on the nail surface. This condition affects the nail matrix and can lead to an abnormal growth of the nail, resulting in pitting, ridges, and sometimes even discoloration. The roughness and pits are due to the underlying inflammation in the skin that affects the keratin production, which is the key protein in nails.

The other conditions listed relate to different nail issues. For instance, onychocryptosis, commonly referred to as ingrown nails, involves the nail growing into the surrounding tissue, which does not typically present with the pitting or roughness associated with psoriasis. Onychomadesis refers to the separation and falling off of the nail plate from the nail matrix, but it does not manifest with the specific surface irregularities seen in nail psoriasis. Meanwhile, onychorrhexis is the term for brittle nails that exhibit longitudinal ridges or splits, rather than pits and roughness. Thus, the combination of pitting and roughness uniquely identifies nail psoriasis as the correct condition associated with the symptoms described.