Nail psoriasis is one of the types of diseases that mainly affects the skin.Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic, non-infectious course with recurring episodes.The main symptoms of damage to the nail plate caused by psoriasis are changes in the shape of the nail plate, loss of shine, spots on the nail plate and complete loss of the nail.
In this form, the skin around the plates is also severely affected.Untimely and incorrect treatment can cause complications such as severe deformity and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
Treatment for nail psoriasis is similar to that for other types of psoriasis, but has its own characteristics.In this article, we’ll look at the symptoms, causes, and how to treat toenail and fingernail psoriasis.
Nail damage from psoriasis can occur for a variety of reasons.Usually, this form occurs against the background of a certain pathological form, such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy.This condition is fairly rare, but is often associated with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following predisposing factors:
- Frequent stress and emotional overstretch;
- Abnormal body metabolic processes;
- Chronic infectious diseases;
- poor blood circulation;
- Nail damage and exposure to certain chemicals;
- Genetic predisposition.
Important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nail plate caused by a bacterial infection.Diagnosing the disease in this case is quite difficult; an experienced specialist must identify the disease.
variety
Subungual psoriasis can occur in patients of different ages, but most often occurs in patients over the age of 35-40 years.The disease comes in many forms.These include:
thimble syndrome
This type is characterized by damage to the bone plate in the form of pin-like depressions.Most often, they are localized to a specific area of the nail, but it is also common for the depressions to spread throughout the nail.In appearance, the plate resembles an ejector pin, which is why this type is often called a "ejector pin."
Onycholysis
Symptoms of this form include cloudy, loss of color in the nails.This occurs due to a lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, the plates deform and disappear.Only a small portion of the bottom plate remains.
Symptoms of bleeding
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms appear at the beginning of the pathology.Further signs may appear, such as bruising under the plate.Nails also become thickened and delaminated.
How to tell the difference between nail psoriasis and fungus?
Patients are often interested in how to differentiate between onychomycosis and psoriasis.This issue is complex and requires consultation with an expert.Laboratory testing is also required.Methods such as biopsy of skin samples and histological studies can help rule out fungi.
With the help of differential diagnosis, it is possible to rule out diseases that also tend to affect the nails.These include the following diseases:
- Lichen planus;
- Various forms of skin diseases;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in blood components.In most cases, an increase in leukocyte levels as well as an erythrocyte sedimentation reaction indicate the presence of an infectious form of pathology.
Important!The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined through laboratory testing.Externally, the pathology may be nearly identical.
Main manifestations of disease
Psoriasis on the nails, like psoriasis on the toenails, has many very unpleasant symptoms.Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis looks like on feet and nails.Therefore, let us understand the manifestations of the disease according to its form.
Symptoms of thimble psoriasis include:
- Dot-like grooves and depressions appear;
- Turbidity of the plate;
- From the outside, the board is curved and hooked;
- Pain will be felt when pressed.
Onycholysis:
- Change plate color;
- Deformation of the nail, destroying its integrity;
- The plate is separated from the finger body.
Bleeding:
- red, brown, and blue spots under the nails;
- The shape of the plate is deformed and turbid;
- capillary damage;
- Purulent discharge may be observed when pressure is applied.
Symptoms may vary slightly depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's individual characteristics.
How to Treat Nail Psoriasis
A very relevant question today is how to treat nail psoriasis?In modern medical practice, there are many ways to treat this disease.Mainly include:
- Use external application products.
- Oral medications.
- Use light therapy and other physical treatments.
- Use traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to consider each approach in more detail.
Treating Nail Psoriasis with Creams and Ointments
Nail psoriasis and its early medical treatments involve the use of topical medications.
Ointments can be hormonal and non-hormonal.The former is used to treat serious illnesses when non-hormonal drugs have failed.
Ointments for fingernail and toenail psoriasis can also be non-hormonal.These are medications that contain zinc, salicylic acid, and more.
Non-hormonal medications have minimal side effects and are not addictive, but require a considerable wait for them to take effect.Hormone drugs work quickly but can cause many complications.
internal use of drugs
Treatment of disease must be comprehensive.The following treatments can be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- sedative.
- Immunomodulators.Medications help strengthen a person's natural defenses.
- Anti-allergy medications.
physical therapy
The use of physical therapy methods has recently been well documented.Excellent results can be achieved with the use of ultraviolet therapy, as well as methods such as cryotherapy, azotherapy, and excimer laser therapy.The following types of physical therapy are most commonly used in medical practices:
- UV irradiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray treatment;
- using ultrasound;
- Laser treatment.
Important!The duration and number of treatment sessions should be determined by an experienced specialist.Self-treatment using these methods is strictly prohibited as it often causes many side effects.
The role of traditional medicine
Treating nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a proven remedy.So, below we will learn how to treat nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that can help cope with pathological symptoms.The most popular medications include:
Celandine Soup
500 ml of water requires 2 tablespoons.Lake Herbs.Bring mixture to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.Decoction is used for bathing; dissolve it in water in a ratio of 1:2 and soak your nails in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treat Nail Psoriasis with Natural Oils
Sea buckthorn oil is great for relieving inflammation.It softens the affected area and replenishes the nails with beneficial vitamins and minerals.To do this, use a cotton pad to apply the oil on the plate and leave it for 30-40 minutes.This process is repeated 2-3 times daily.
attention!If you decide to treat nail psoriasis on your own, talk to your doctor before doing so, self-medication may be harmful to your health!
use bow
Pass fresh onions through a meat grinder and apply the resulting porridge to the affected nail.Cover the top with a gauze bandage and leave for 30 minutes.The treatment process continues until healthy nails grow back.Nail psoriasis is considered a serious, chronic disease.It is important to diagnose the disease promptly and initiate necessary treatment.This will help keep your legs and arms healthy and avoid many unpleasant complications.