Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the varieties of the disease that primarily 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 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 provoke complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
Treatment of psoriasis of the fingernails is similar to the treatment of its other types, but it also has its own characteristics.In this article we will look at the symptoms, causes, and how to treat psoriasis of the toenails and fingernails.
Nail damage due to psoriasis can occur due to various reasons.Often this form occurs against the background of a form of pathology such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy.It is quite rare, but often occurs with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional overstrain;
- improper metabolic processes of the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor blood circulation;
- damage to nails and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
Important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nail plates by a bacterial infection.Diagnosing the disease in such cases is quite difficult; an experienced specialist must identify the disease.
Varieties
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of different age categories, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35-40 years of age.There are several forms of the disease.These include:
Thimble Syndrome
This type is characterized by lesions of the plate in the form of pinpoint depressions.Most often they are localized in a specific area of the nail, but there are often cases when the depressions spread to the entire nail.Externally, the plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this type is often called “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 develops, the plate becomes distorted and disappears.Only a small part of the plate at the base remains.
The appearance of hemorrhages
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms occur at the beginning of the pathology.Further signs such as the appearance of bruises under the plate may occur.There is also thickening of the nail and its layering.
How to distinguish nail psoriasis or fungus?
Patients are often interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis.This issue is quite complex and requires consultation with a specialist.Laboratory tests are also required.Methods such as biopsy of dermal samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude the fungus.
With the help of differential diagnosis, it is possible to exclude diseases that also tend to affect the nails.These include the following ailments:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the blood composition.An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction, indicate 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
Psoriasis on the fingernails, like psoriasis on the toenails, has many very unpleasant symptoms.Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails.So, let's look at the manifestations of the disease depending on its form.
The thimble type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of dots;
- cloudiness of the plate;
- externally, the plate bends and takes on the shape of a hook;
- when pressed, pain is felt.
Onycholysis:
- change in plate color;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- detachment of the plate from the finger body.
Hemorrhages:
- the appearance of red, brown and bluish spots under the nail;
- distortion of the plate shape, its clouding;
- 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
Quite relevant today is the question of how to treat nail psoriasis?In modern medical practice, there are quite a few ways to treat the disease.The main ones include:
- use of external application products.
- Taking drugs 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 involves the use of external agents.
Ointments can be hormonal and non-hormonal.The former are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of fingernails and toenails can also be non-hormonal.These are drugs that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects and are not addictive, but you have to wait quite a long time for their effect.Hormonal drugs give a quick effect, but can cause a lot of complications.
Use of drugs internally
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.The following remedies can be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines help enhance a person’s natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has proven itself very well recently.Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy, and excimer laser treatment give excellent results.The following types of physical treatment are most often used in medical practice:
- UV irradiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray therapy;
- use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
Important!The duration of 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
Treatment of nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a full-fledged type of therapy.So, we will find out below how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes to help cope with the symptoms of pathology.The most popular medications include the following:
Celandine decoction
For 500 ml of water you will 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 ratio of 1:2 and the nails are dipped into it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of psoriasis on nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil relieves inflammation very well.It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with beneficial vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply oil to the plates using a cotton pad and leave it 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 harm your health!
Using the Bow
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder, and the resulting porridge is applied to the affected nails.Cover the top with a gauze bandage and leave for 30 minutes.The course of 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 begin the necessary treatment.This will help keep your legs and arms healthy, as well as avoid many unpleasant complications.