Nail psoriasis is one of the types of the disease that mainly affects the skin. Like other types of pathology, this form has a recurring chronic, non-infectious course. The main signs of damage to the nail plates from psoriasis are a change in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of stains on the plate, as well as complete detachment of the nail.
With this shape, the skin around the plate also suffers. Premature and incorrect treatment can lead to complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of nails on the hands and feet.
Treatment for hand nail psoriasis is similar to other treatments, but has its own characteristics. This article covers the symptoms, causes, and treatment for toenail and nail psoriasis.
Nail damage in psoriasis can occur under the influence of various reasons. Often this form is found against the background of such a form of pathology as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is known as nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy. It's quite rare, but it often goes on with complications and lots of unwanted symptoms.
The following provoking factors can be attributed to the main causes of the pathology:
- frequent stress and emotional stress;
- wrong metabolic processes of the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor blood circulation;
- damage to the nails and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
Important! In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs against the background of damage to the nail plates from bacterial infection. In such cases, it is quite difficult to diagnose the disease. An experienced specialist should identify the disease.
varieties
Psoriasis under the nails can occur in patients of different ages, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35-40 years of age. There are different forms of the disease. These include:
Foxglove Syndrome
This type is characterized by the defeat of the plate in the form of point depressions. Most often they are localized in a specific area of the nail, but there are often cases when the grooves extend all over the nail. Outwardly, the plate resembles a thimble, which is why this type is often referred to as a "thimble".
Onycholysis
This form shows symptoms such as clouding of the nails and loss of color. This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation. As the disease develops, the plate is distorted and disappears. Only a small part of the plate remains on the base.
Beginning of bleeding
Implies the formation of red or pink spots under the nails. These symptoms appear at the beginning of the pathology. There may also be signs such as bruising under the plate. There is also a seal on the nail, its layering.
How to differentiate between nail psoriasis and fungus?
Patients are often interested in differentiating nail fungus from psoriasis. This problem is quite complicated and requires the consultation of a specialist. Laboratory tests are also required. Methods such as biopsy of dermis samples and histological examinations help to rule out the fungus.
Differential diagnostics can be used to rule out diseases that also affect the nails. These include the following complaints:
- 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 sedimentation reactions of erythrocytes, in most cases, indicate the presence of infectious forms of the pathology.
Important! The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined with the help of laboratory tests. Outwardly, pathologies can be almost the same.
The main manifestations of the disease
Psoriasis of the fingernails, like psoriasis of the toenails, has many very unpleasant symptoms. Below are photos that show what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails. So, let's consider the manifestations of the disease depending on its form.
Foxglove psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- Appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of points;
- cloudiness of the plate;
- Externally, the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook.
- Pain is noted when pressing.
Onycholysis:
- changes the color of the plate;
- nail distortion, violation of its integrity;
- Remove the plate from the finger body.
bleeding:
- the appearance of red, brown and cyanotic spots of color under the nail;
- distortion of the plate shape, its opacity;
- capillary damage;
- can have a purulent discharge when pressed.
The symptoms can vary slightly depending on the severity of the disease and the individual patient.
Treatment of nail psoriasis
Today the question of how to treat psoriasis of the nails is very relevant. There are many ways to treat the disease in modern medical practice. The most important are:
- with external products.
- take medication orally.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- The use of traditional medicine.
Next, we suggest taking a closer look at each of the methods.
Treatment of psoriasis of the nails with creams and ointments
In psoriasis of the fingernails and their early drug treatment, topical agents are used.
Ointments can be hormonal or non-hormonal. The first are used for severe forms of the disease, when non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of the nails on the hands and feet can also not be hormonal. These are drugs that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects, are not addictive, but they take a long time to work. Hormonal drugs work quickly, but they can cause many complications.
Oral drug use
The disease therapy should be comprehensive. The following remedies can also be used to relieve symptoms and restore nails:
- sedative.
- immunomodulators. Medicines help strengthen a person's natural defenses.
- antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
Lately the use of physiotherapy methods has proven to be very effective. UV treatment as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, zone therapy and treatment with an excimer laser produce excellent results. The following types of physical treatment are most commonly used in medical practice:
- 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 using these methods is strictly prohibited as it often causes many side effects.
The role of traditional medicine
Treatment with folk remedies for nail psoriasis has long been used as a full therapy. How to cure nail psoriasis at home, see below. There are a lot of recipes to cope with the symptoms of the pathology. The most popular drugs are:
Celandine decoction
500 ml of water require 2 tbsp. l. Herbs. Bring the product to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes. The broth is used for bathing, dissolved in water in a ratio of 1: 2 and dipped the nails in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of psoriasis on nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil removes inflammation very well. It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals. For this purpose, the oil is applied to the plate with a cotton pad and left for 30-40 minutes. The process is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Attention! If you decide to treat nail psoriasis yourself, consult a doctor beforehand. Self-medication can damage your health!
Using the arc
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder, the resulting gruel is applied to the affected nails. I cover it with a gauze bandage and leave it on for 30 minutes. The course of treatment lasts until a healthy nail grows back. Psoriasis of the nails is called 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 feet and hands healthy and avoid many uncomfortable complications.