Nail psoriasis is one of the diseases that mainly affects the skin.Like other types of diseases, this form has a chronic, non-infectious relapsing nature.The main signs of damage to the nail plate due to psoriasis are a change in shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the nail plate, as well as complete detachment of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the disc is also significantly affected.Untimely and improper treatment can cause complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
Treatment of nail psoriasis is similar to treatment of other diseases but also has its own characteristics.In this article, we will look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments of toenail and fingernail psoriasis.
Nail damage caused by psoriasis can occur for many different reasons.Most often, this form occurs based on a form of pathology such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic nail dystrophy.The disease is quite rare but often occurs with many complications and unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional tension;
- improper metabolism of the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor blood circulation;
- nail damage and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic tendency.
Important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nail plates due to bacterial infection.Diagnosing the disease in such cases is quite difficult;An experienced specialist must determine the disease.
Alike
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of various ages, but in most cases the disease occurs in patients over 35-40 years old.There are several forms of the disease.These include:
Thimble syndrome
This type is characterized by lesions of the plate in the form of dents.Usually, they are localized to a specific area of the nail, but there are also cases where the dents spread to the entire nail.Visually, this slab is shaped like a dike, which is why this type is often called a “dam”.
Nail fungus
This form has symptoms such as nail residue and loss of color.This occurs due to lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, this plate becomes deformed and disappears.Only a small portion of the plate remains at the base.
Presence of hemorrhage
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms occur at the beginning of the pathology.Other signs such as the appearance of bruising under the plate may occur.There is also thickening of the nail and its delamination.
How to distinguish between nail psoriasis or fungus?
Patients are often interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis.This issue is quite complicated and requires consultation with a specialist.Laboratory tests are also required.Methods such as biopsy of skin samples as well as histological studies help to eliminate the fungus.
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:
- flat lichen;
- various forms of dermatological diseases;
- eczema.
The main sign of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in blood composition.An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction, indicates in most cases the presence of infectious forms of pathology.
Important!The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined through laboratory tests.Externally, the pathologies can be almost identical.
Main manifestations of the disease
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, let's consider the manifestations of the disease according to its form.
Thimble type psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, indentations in the form of dots;
- turbidity of the sheet;
- on the outside, the panels are curved and hook-shaped;
- When pressed, it feels painful.
Nail fungus:
- change plate color;
- nail deformation, violation of its integrity;
- Separate the plate from the finger body.
Hemorrhage:
- the appearance of red, brown and blue spots under the nails;
- deformation of the sheet shape, its turbidity;
- capillary damage;
- Purulent discharge may be observed when pressure is applied.
Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, symptoms may vary slightly.
How to treat nail psoriasis
The question of how to treat nail psoriasis is quite relevant today?In modern medicine, there are many methods of treating diseases.The main ones include:
- Use external application products.
- Take medication orally.
- Use phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- The use of traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to consider each method in more detail.
Treat nail psoriasis with creams and ointments
Nail psoriasis and its drug treatment in the early stages involves the use of external agents.
Ointments can be hormonal and non-hormonal.The first type is used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointments for fingernail and toenail psoriasis may also be non-hormonal.These are drugs that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal pills have minimal side effects and are not addictive, but you have to wait quite a while for them to take effect.Hormone medications work quickly but can cause many complications.
Internal drug use
Treatment must be comprehensive.The following measures can be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedative.
- Immunomodulators.The medicine helps strengthen a person's natural defenses.
- Anti-allergic drugs.
Physical therapy
The use of physical therapy methods has recently been very well proven.Ultraviolet light treatment as well as using methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy and excimer laser treatment all produce excellent results.The following types of physical therapy are commonly used in medical practice:
- ultraviolet radiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray treatment;
- use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
Important!The duration of sessions and their number must be determined by an experienced specialist.Self-medication using these methods is strictly prohibited because it often causes many side effects.
The role of traditional medicine
Treatment of nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a full-fledged therapeutic method.So, below we will learn how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that help cope with pathological symptoms.The most common medications include:
Celandine decoction
For 500 ml of water you will need 2 tablespoons.I.herb.Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.Decoction used for bathing;it is dissolved in water in a ratio of 1:2 and the nails are dipped in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treat psoriasis on nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil reduces inflammation very well.It softens affected areas, enriches nails with beneficial vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply oil to the plates with a cotton pad and leave for 30-40 minutes.The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Attention!If you decide to treat nail psoriasis yourself, consult your doctor before doing so, self-medication can be harmful to your health!
Use bow
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder and applied to the affected nails.Cover the top with a bandage and leave for 30 minutes.The treatment lasts until healthy nails grow.Nail psoriasis is considered a serious chronic disease.It is very important to diagnose the disease promptly and begin the necessary treatment.This will help your legs and arms stay healthy, as well as avoid many unpleasant complications.