Which systemic disease may affect the nails?

• A. Anemia
• B. Diabetes
• C. Psoriasis
• D. Arthritis

Answer: (B)

Diabetes is a systemic disease that can significantly affect nail health. Individuals with diabetes may experience changes in the structure and appearance of their nails due to complications associated with the condition, such as poor circulation, neuropathy, and fungal infections. High blood sugar levels can lead to thicker, discolored nails and slower nail growth, making diabetic individuals more susceptible to various nail disorders.

In contrast, while other systemic diseases like anemia, psoriasis, and arthritis can also influence nail conditions, they do not have the same direct relationship with nail health as diabetes does. Anemia might cause changes in nail color or shape due to nutrient deficiencies, but it does not specifically lead to the structural changes often seen in diabetic patients. Psoriasis can affect the nails, causing pitting and abnormal thickness, but it is primarily a skin condition rather than a systemic disease impacting the entire body. Arthritis can cause deformities in the fingers that may affect nail appearance; however, it is not primarily a cause of nail disease like diabetes. Thus, it is diabetes that most commonly has a systemic effect on nail health.