Nail psoriasis is one of the forms of the disease that primarily affects the skin.Like other types of pathologies, this form has a chronic, non-infectious course of a recurrent nature.The main signs of damage to the nail plates by psoriasis are a change in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as complete detachment of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the plate also suffers significantly.Untimely and incorrect treatment can lead to complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
Treatment of psoriasis of fingernails is similar to the treatment of its other forms, but also has its own peculiarities.In this article we look at the symptoms, causes and treatment of psoriasis on toenails and fingernails.
Nail damage due to psoriasis can have various causes.Often this form occurs against the background of a pathology such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this form is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy.It is quite rare, but often occurs with complications and many undesirable symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional overload;
- incorrect metabolic processes of the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor blood circulation;
- damage to nails and contact with certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
Important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nail plates caused by a bacterial infection.Diagnosis of the disease in such cases is quite difficult;An experienced specialist must identify the disease.
Varieties
Psoriasis under the nails can occur in patients of different age groups, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35-40 years old.There are different forms of the disease.This includes:
Foxglove syndrome
This type is characterized by lesions of the plate in the form of punctate depressions.Most often they are localized in a specific area of the nail, but it often happens that the depressions spread to the entire nail.Externally, the plate resembles a thimble, which is why this type is often called a “thimble”.
Onycholysis
This form has symptoms such as clouding of the nail, loss of color.This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, the plate deforms and disappears.Only a small portion of the plate at the base remains.
The appearance of bleeding
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms appear 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 layering.
How can you distinguish between nail psoriasis and nail fungus?
Patients are often interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis.This problem is quite complex and requires consultation with a specialist.Laboratory tests are also required.Methods such as biopsy of skin samples and histological examinations help to rule out the fungus.
With the help of differential diagnosis, it is possible to rule out diseases that tend to also affect the nails.These include the following complaints:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- Eczema.
Also, the main indicator of psoriasis is the absence of abnormalities in the blood composition.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 determined through laboratory tests.Externally, the pathologies can be almost identical.
Main manifestations of the disease
Psoriasis of the fingernails, like psoriasis of the toenails, has many very unpleasant symptoms.Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis looks like on feet and nails.So let's look at the manifestations of the disease depending on its form.
Foxglove psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of points;
- clouding of the plate;
- externally the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- Pain is felt when pressing.
Onycholysis:
- change in panel color;
- deformation of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- Detachment of the plate from the body of the finger.
Bleeding:
- the appearance of red, brown and bluish spots under the nail;
- distortion of plate shape, clouding;
- capillary damage;
- Purulent discharge may be observed under pressure.
Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, symptoms may vary slightly.
How do you treat nail psoriasis?
The very current question today is how to treat nail psoriasis.In modern medical practice there are many ways to treat the disease.The most important include:
- Use of external application products.
- Take medication orally.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- 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
Psoriasis of the fingernails and its drug treatment in the early stages requires the use of external agents.
Ointments can be hormonal and non-hormonal.The former are used in severe forms of the disease when non-hormonal medications are ineffective.
Ointments for psoriasis on fingernails and toenails can also be non-hormonal in nature.These are drugs containing zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects and are not addictive, although you have to wait quite a long time for them to take effect.Hormonal drugs have a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Internal drug use
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.To eliminate symptoms and restore nails, the following remedies can be used:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators.Medications help strengthen a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic medications.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapeutic methods has recently proven itself very well.UV treatment as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy and excimer laser treatment lead to 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 and number of sessions 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
Treatment of nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a full-fledged form of therapy.Below you will learn how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that help cope with the symptoms of a pathology.The most popular medications include:
Celandine decoction
For 500 ml of water you need 2 tbsp.l.Herbs.Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.The decoction 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 the nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil relieves inflammation very well.It softens the affected areas and enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply oil to the panels with a cotton pad and leave it to act for 30-40 minutes.The process is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Attention!If you decide to treat nail psoriasis yourself, consult your doctor beforehand, because self-medication can harm your health!
Use the bow
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder and the resulting gruel is applied to the affected nails.Cover the top with a gauze bandage and leave it on for 30 minutes.The treatment lasts until a healthy nail grows.Nail psoriasis is considered a serious chronic disease.It is very important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and initiate the necessary treatment.This will help keep your legs and arms healthy and prevent many unpleasant complications.