Nail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the varieties of the disease, which mainly affects the skin. Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic non-infectious course of a recurrent nature. The main signs of damage to the nails from psoriasis are a change in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate and complete detachment of the nail.

With this shape, the skin around the plate also suffers. Inappropriate and incorrect treatment can result in complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.

nail psoriasis

The treatment of nail psoriasis is similar to other treatments, but it has its own characteristics. In the article we will consider the symptoms, causes, and also how to treat psoriasis of toenails and fingernails.

Nail damage in psoriasis can occur under the influence of various reasons. Often this form is found against the background of such a form of pathology as psoriatic arthritis.

In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy. It is quite rare, but it often proceeds with complications and many unwanted symptoms.

The following provoking factors can be attributed to the main causes of pathology:

  • frequent stress and emotional distress;
  • incorrect metabolic processes of the body;
  • chronic infectious diseases;
  • poor circulation;
  • nail damage and exposure to certain chemicals;
  • genetic predisposition.

Important! In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs against the background of nail damage from a bacterial infection. It is rather difficult to diagnose the disease in these cases; an experienced specialist should identify the disease.

Variety

Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of various ages, but in most cases it occurs in patients over the age of 35-40 years. There are several forms of the disease. These include:

Thimble syndrome

This type is characterized by the defeat of the plaque in the form of point indentations. Most often, they are localized in a certain area of ​​the nail, but there are often cases when the grooves extend to the entire nail. Outwardly, the plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this type is often called a "thimble".

Onycholysis

This form has symptoms such as opacity of the nail, loss of color. This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation. During the development of the disease, the plate is distorted and disappears. Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.

Onset of bleeding

bleeding with psoriasis

It involves the formation of red or pink spots under the nails. These symptoms occur early in the pathology. Also, signs such as bruising under the plate may occur. There is also a seal of the nail, its layering.

Psoriasis of the nails or fungus how to distinguish?

Often patients are interested in knowing how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis. This problem is quite complicated and requires consultation with a specialist. Laboratory tests are also needed. Methods such as biopsy of dermis samples, as well as histological studies, help to rule out the fungus.

Differential diagnostics can be used to rule out diseases that also affect the nails. These include the following disorders:

  • lichen planus;
  • various forms of dermatosis;
  • eczema.

The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the composition of the blood. An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction, in most cases indicates the presence of infectious forms of pathology.

Important! The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be detected with the help of laboratory tests. Externally, the pathologies can be almost the same.

The main manifestations of the disease

how the disease manifests itself

Nail psoriasis, like toenail psoriasis, has many very unpleasant symptoms. Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails. So, we consider the manifestations of the disease, depending on its form.

The thimble type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:

  • appearance of furrows, depressions in the form of points;
  • blurring of the plate;
  • externally, the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
  • when pressing, pain is noted.

Onycholysis:

  • changes the color of the plate;
  • sprain of nails, violation of its integrity;
  • detach the plate from the finger body.

Haemorrhages:

  • the appearance of red, brown and cyanotic spots under the nail;
  • distortion of the shape of the plate, its cloudiness;
  • damage to capillaries;
  • may have purulent discharge when pressed.

Symptoms may vary slightly depending on the severity of the disease and the individual patient.

How to treat nail psoriasis

Is the question of how to treat nail psoriasis relevant enough today? In modern medical practice, there are many ways to cure the disease. The main ones include:

  1. using external products.
  2. Taking medications by mouth.
  3. Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
  4. The use of traditional medicine.

Next, we propose to consider each of the methods in more detail.

Treatment of nail psoriasis with creams and ointments

treatment of psoriasis

Nail psoriasis and its early drug treatment involves the use of topical agents.

Ointments can be hormonal or non-hormonal. The former are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.

Ointment for psoriasis of the fingernails and toenails may also be non-hormonal. These are drugs that include zinc, salicylic acid, etc.

Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects, they are not addictive, but you have to wait a long time for their effect. Hormonal drugs give a quick effect, but they can cause many complications.

Consumption of oral drugs

Disease therapy should be complete. The following remedies can also be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:

  1. Sedatives.
  2. Immunomodulators. Medicines help improve a person's natural defenses.
  3. Antiallergic drugs.

Physiotherapy

physiotherapy for psoriasis

Recently, the use of physiotherapy methods proved to be very effective. Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy, treatment with an excimer laser give excellent results. The following types of physical treatment are most commonly used in medical practice:

  • UV irradiation;
  • PUVA therapy;
  • X-ray therapy;
  • use of ultrasound;
  • laser treatment.

Important! The duration of the sessions and their number should be determined by an experienced specialist. Self-medication using these methods is strictly prohibited, as it often causes many side effects.

The role of traditional medicine

Folk remedy treatment for nail psoriasis has long been used as a full-fledged type of therapy. So, how to cure nail psoriasis at home, we will find out below. There are many recipes to help cope with the symptoms of pathology. The most popular drugs include:

Celandine decoction

a decoction of celandine for psoriasis

For 500 ml of water, 2 tbsp. L. herbs. Bring the agent to a boil over low heat, cook for 30-40 minutes. The broth is used for baths, it is dissolved in water in a 1: 2 ratio and the nails are dipped in it for 20-25 minutes.

Treatment of psoriasis on nails with natural oils

Sea buckthorn oil removes inflammation very well. It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals. To do this, using a cotton swab, the oil is applied to the dishes and left for 30-40 minutes. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.

Attention! If you decide to cure nail psoriasis on your own, consult a doctor first, self-medication can harm your health!

Using the bow

Fresh onion is passed through a meat grinder, the resulting gruel is applied to the affected nails. I cover it with a gauze bandage and leave it for 30 minutes. The course of treatment lasts until the regrowth of a healthy nail. Nail psoriasis is called a severe chronic disease. It is very important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and start the necessary treatment. This will help keep your feet and hands healthy and avoid many unpleasant complications.