Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the varieties of the disease that mainly affects the skin.Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic, non-infectious course and is recurrent in nature.The main signs of damage to the nail plates by psoriasis are changes in shape, loss of shine, appearance of spots on the plate, as well as complete detachment of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the plaque also suffers significantly.Late and incorrect treatment can cause complications such as serious deformities and total loss of fingernails and toenails.
The treatment of nail psoriasis is similar to the treatment of 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 for a variety of reasons.Often this form 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 usually occurs with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional overload;
- inadequate metabolic processes in 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 by a bacterial infection.Diagnosing the disease in these cases is quite difficult;an experienced specialist must identify the disease.
Varieties
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of different age groups, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35 to 40 years of age.There are several forms of the disease.These include:
Thimble Syndrome
This type is characterized by plaque lesions in the form of pinpoint depressions.Most of the time they are located in a specific area of the nail, but there are cases where the depressions spread across the entire nail.Externally, the plate looks like a thimble, which is why this type is often called a “thimble”.
Onycholysis
This form presents symptoms such as opacity of the nail and loss of color.This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, the plaque becomes distorted and disappears.Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.
The appearance of hemorrhages
It 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 bruising under the plaque, may occur.There is also thickening of the nail and its layers.
How to distinguish psoriasis or nail fungus?
Patients are often interested in knowing how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis.This issue is quite complex and requires consultation with a specialist.Laboratory tests are also necessary.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.This includes the following diseases:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the composition of the blood.An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation reaction, in most cases indicate 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 that show 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;
- plaque clouding;
- externally, the plate bends and takes 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 body of the finger.
Hemorrhages:
- the appearance of red, brown and bluish spots under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its clouding;
- hair damage;
- Purulent discharge may be seen 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
Nail psoriasis 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 in severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal medications are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of fingernails and toenails can also be non-hormonal.These are medicines that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects and are not addictive, but you have to wait a long time for the effect.Hormonal medications work quickly, 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 improve a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic medications.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has proven itself very well recently.Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azonotherapy and excimer laser treatment provide 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 with 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 complete type of therapy.So, below we will discover how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that help to cope with the symptoms of pathology.The most popular medications include the following:
Celandine Decoction
For 500 ml of water you will need 2 tablespoons.I.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 nails are dipped in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil relieves inflammation very well.Softens affected areas, enriches nails with beneficial vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply oil to the plates with a cotton pad and leave it for 30-40 minutes.The procedure is repeated 2 to 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 gruel 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 and avoid many unpleasant complications.