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 of a recurring nature.The main signs of damage to the nail plates from psoriasis are the change in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as the complete detachment of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the plaque also suffers significantly.Premature and incorrect treatment can provoke complications such as severe deformations and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
The treatment of nail psoriasis is similar to the treatment of other types of psoriasis, but it also has its own characteristics.In this article we will look at the symptoms, causes and treatment of toenail and fingernail psoriasis.
Nail damage due to psoriasis can occur for a variety of reasons.Often this form appears 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 presents with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional overload;
- 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 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 appears 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 spiky depressions.Most often they are localized in a certain area of the nail, but there are often cases when depressions spread throughout the nail.From the outside, the plate is similar to a case, therefore this type is often called "dish".
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 plaque distorts 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 appear at the beginning of the pathology.Other signs may appear such as the appearance of bruises under the plate.There is also thickening of the nail and its layering.
How to distinguish psoriasis or nail 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 skin samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude fungi.
With the help of differential diagnosis, it is possible to rule out diseases that tend to affect the nails as well.These include 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.The increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the sedimentation reaction of erythrocytes, indicate in most cases the presence of infectious forms of the pathology.
Important!The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined through laboratory tests.Outwardly, the pathologies can be almost identical.
The main manifestations of the disease
Fingernail 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 look at the manifestations of the disease depending on its form.
The finger type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of drops;
- plate turbidity;
- from the outside, the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- when pressed, pain is felt.
Onycholysis:
- changing the color of the plate;
- 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 blurring;
- 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, the symptoms may vary slightly.
How to treat nail psoriasis
Quite important today is the question of how to treat nail psoriasis?In modern medical practice, there are many ways to treat the disease.The main ones include:
- use of external application products.
- Taking drugs by mouth.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- 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 or non-hormonal.The first are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of the fingernails and toenails can also be non-hormonal.It is about drugs containing zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects and do not cause addiction, but you have to wait a long time for their effect.Hormonal drugs give a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Use of drugs internally
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.The following means can be used to eliminate the symptoms and restore the nails:
- Soothing.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines help boost a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has been proven 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 radiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray therapy;
- the use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
Important!The duration of the 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 type of complete therapy.So, below we will find out how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes to help cope with the symptoms of the pathology.The most popular medications include the following:
Celandine decoction
For 500 ml of water you will 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 baths;dissolve in water in a ratio of 1:2 and soak the nails 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, enriches the nails with useful 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.
Watch out!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.Psoriasis of the nails is considered a serious chronic disease.It is very important to diagnose the disease at the right time and start the necessary treatment.This will help you keep your legs and arms healthy, as well as avoid many unpleasant complications.