Eczema may be endogenous or exogenous. Changes in the nail are seen in both endogenous and exogenous type of eczemas. In case of endogenous eczema, nail pitting may be seen in the absence of inflammation. In exogenous eczema, the effect of local eczema in the nail unit influencing nail formation can be demonstrated. The nail plate changes in eczema include irregular coarse pitting, transverse ridging, furrowing of the nail plate, roughness, discoloration. These nail changes result from nail matrix disturbances. The eczema of nail bed may arise hours, days and even week later, after exposure to the allergens. Allergens and irritants can be sequestered beneath the free edge of nail plate to achieve high concentrations and prolonged exposure. Nail folds show erythema, vesicles, scaling, fissuring and absent cuticles. In atopic dermatitis, constant rubbing and scratching of the skin results in worn down shiny nails. In exfoliative dermatitis, nails may be shed.