Nail psoriasis is one of the variants 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 due to psoriasis are a change in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as complete separation of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the plate also suffers significantly.Untimely and improper treatment can cause complications such as severe deformities and complete 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 some 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;
- irregular 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 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 the disease.This includes:
Thimble Syndrome
This type is characterized by plaque lesions in the form of pointed depressions.They are most often localized in a certain area of the nail, but there are frequent cases when the depressions extend 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 clouding of the nail, loss of color.This happens due to a lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, the plaque becomes distorted and disappears.Only a small part of the slab at the base remains.
Occurrence of bleeding
It refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms appear at the beginning of the pathology.Further signs such as bruising under the plate may also appear.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 mandatory.Methods such as biopsy of dermal samples, as well as histological studies, help to rule out fungus.
With the help of differential diagnosis, it is possible to rule out diseases that also tend to affect the nails.These include the following diseases:
- lichen planus;
- different forms of dermatosis;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is 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 by laboratory tests.Outwardly, the pathologies can be almost identical.
The 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 digital type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of points;
- turbidity of the board;
- on the outside, the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- when pressed, pain is felt.
onycholysis:
- changing the color of the board;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- separation of the plate from the body of the finger.
bleeding:
- 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 pressing.
Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, the symptoms may vary slightly.
How to treat nail psoriasis
Today, a very topical question is how to treat nail psoriasis?In modern medical practice, there are many ways to treat diseases.Among the main ones are:
- use of products for external application.
- Taking drugs orally.
- 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 treatment with drugs in the early stages involves the use of external means.
Fats 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.These are medicines containing zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects and do not cause addiction, but you have to wait quite 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 drugs can be used to remove symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines help strengthen a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has recently proven itself very well.Treatment with ultraviolet radiation, as well as the application of methods such as cryotherapy, azonotherapy and excimer laser treatment, give excellent results.In medical practice, the following types of physical treatment are most often used:
- UV radiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray therapy;
- use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
Important!The duration of the 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 full-fledged type of therapy.So, below we will find out how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that will help you cope with the symptoms of pathology.The most popular medications include the following:
Decoction of celandine
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 nail psoriasis with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil is an excellent reliever of inflammation.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.
Attention!If you decide to self-treat nail psoriasis, 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 slurry is applied to the affected nails.Cover with cheesecloth 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 hands healthy, as well as avoid many unpleasant complications.