Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the types of diseases that mainly affect the skin.Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic, non-infectious course that is recurrent.The main signs of damage to the nail plate by psoriasis are changes in its 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 cause complications such as severe deformity and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
Nail psoriasis treatment is similar to other types of treatment, but it also has its own characteristics.In this article we will look at the symptoms, causes, and how to treat psoriasis on the toenails and fingernails.
Nail damage due to psoriasis can occur for a variety of reasons.Often this form occurs on the background of pathological forms such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy.It is relatively rare, but often occurs with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and excessive emotional stress;
- 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 plate 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 older than 35-40 years.There are several forms of this disease.These include:
Thimble syndrome
This type is characterized by plate lesions in the form of pinpoint depressions.Most often it is placed in a specific area of the nail, but there are often cases when the depression spreads to the entire nail.Outwardly, the plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this type is often called a "thimble".
Onycholysis
This form has symptoms such as turbidity of nails, loss of color.This happens because of a lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, the plates become distorted and disappear.Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.
The appearance of bleeding
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nail.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 a thickening of the nail and its layer.
How to distinguish nail psoriasis or fungus?
Patients are often interested in distinguishing nail fungus from psoriasis.This issue is quite complicated and requires consultation with an expert.Laboratory tests are also required.Methods such as biopsy of skin samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude fungi.
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 dermatosis;
- 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 an erythrocyte sedimentation reaction, indicates in most cases the presence of an infectious pathological form.
Important!The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined through laboratory tests.Outwardly, the pathology can be almost the same.
The main manifestation of this disease
Psoriasis on the nails, like psoriasis on the toenails, has many very unpleasant symptoms.Below you can see a photo that shows what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails.So, let's look at the manifestation of the disease depending on its form.
This type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of points;
- plate turbidity;
- externally, the plate is bent and takes the form of a hook;
- when pressed, it hurts.
Onycholysis:
- change in plate color;
- nail distortion, 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 nails;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its turbidity;
- capillary damage;
- Purulent discharge can 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 several ways to treat this disease.The main ones include:
- use of external application products.
- Take drugs orally.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- Use of traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to consider each method 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.
Ointment can be hormonal and non-hormonal.The first is used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for nail and toenail psoriasis can also be non-hormonal.These are drugs that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have minimal side effects and are non-addictive, but you have to wait quite a while for their effects.Hormonal drugs provide a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Internal drug use
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.The following drugs can be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedative.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines help boost a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic medicine.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has been well proven recently.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 therapy are most often used in medical practice:
- UV irradiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray therapy;
- the use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
Important!The duration of the session and its number should be determined by an experienced specialist.Self-medication using this method 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 type of full therapy.So, we will find out below how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes to help overcome pathological symptoms.The most popular medications include the following:
Decoction of celandine
For 500 ml of water you need 2 tablespoons.l.herbs.Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.The decoction is used for bathing;it is dissolved in water in a ratio of 1:2 and nails are dipped in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of psoriasis on nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil relieves inflammation well.It softens the affected area, enriching the nails with beneficial vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply oil to the plate using a cotton pad and leave it for 30-40 minutes.This 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 a 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 time and start the necessary treatment.This will help keep your legs and arms healthy, as well as avoid many unpleasant complications.