Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the varieties of diseases that mainly affect the skin.Like other types of pathologies, this form has a chronic, non-infectious and recurrent course.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 peeling of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the plaque also suffers significantly.Untimely and incorrect treatment can cause complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
Treatment of nail psoriasis 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 toenail and fingernail psoriasis.
Nail damage from psoriasis can occur for a variety of reasons.This form often occurs 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 is often accompanied by 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;
- nail damage and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
Important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nail plates caused by 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 old.There are several forms of the disease.These include:
Thimble syndrome
This type is characterized by plaque lesions in the form of point depressions.Most often, they are localized in a specific area of the nail, but it often happens that the depressions extend to the entire nail.Outwardly, the plate resembles a thimble, therefore this type is often called "thimble".
Onycholysis
This form presents symptoms such as opacification of the nail and loss of color.This is due to a lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease develops, the plaque deforms and disappears.Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.
The appearance of hemorrhages
This is the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms occur at the beginning of the pathology.Other signs such as bruising under the plaque may appear.There is also a thickening of the nail and its deterioration.
How to distinguish nail psoriasis from a fungus?
Patients often want to know 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 exclude the fungus.
Through differential diagnosis, it is possible to exclude diseases that also tend to affect the nails.These include:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in blood composition.An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the sedimentation reaction of erythrocytes, 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 testing.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 see the manifestations of the disease depending on its form.
Thimble psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, point-shaped depressions;
- plaque disorder;
- externally, the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- when pressed, pain is felt.
Onycholysis:
- change in plaque color;
- deformation of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- detachment of the plate from the body of the finger.
Hemorrhages:
- the appearance of red, brown and bluish spots under the nail;
- deformation of the shape of the plate, its disorder;
- hair 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 medical practice, there are several 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
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 are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for fingernail and toenail psoriasis can also be non-hormonal.These are medicines that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal medications have minimal side effects and are not addictive, but you have to wait quite a long time to get their effect.Hormonal drugs have a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Internal drug use
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.The following remedies can be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators.Medications help strengthen a person’s natural defenses.
- Antiallergic medications.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has proven itself in recent times.Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy and excimer laser treatment provide excellent results.The following types of physical treatments are most often used in medical practice:
- UV radiation;
- 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 separate type of therapy.So below we will find out how to treat nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes to help cope with the symptoms of pathology.The most popular drugs are:
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 to 40 minutes.The decoction is used for baths;it is dissolved in water in a ratio of 1:2 and the nails are immersed in 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 for 30 to 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!
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 dressing and let sit 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 time and start the necessary treatment.This will help you keep your legs and arms healthy and avoid many unpleasant complications.