Psoriasis of the nails belongs to a type of disease that mainly affects the skin.Like other types of pathology, this form is chronic, non-infectious, and recurrent.The main signs of damage to the nail plates caused by psoriasis are changes in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, and complete detachment of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the disc also suffers significantly.Premature and improper treatment can cause complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of nails.
The treatment of psoriasis of the nails is similar to the treatment of other types, but it also has its own characteristics.In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of psoriasis of the toenails and fingernails.
Nail damage caused by psoriasis can occur for various reasons.Often this form occurs against the background of a pathology such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy.It is quite rare, but often comes with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology are the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional overstrain;
- inappropriate 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 plates caused 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 ages, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35-40 years of age.The disease has several forms.These are:
Finger syndrome
This type is characterized by changes in the disc in the form of precise depressions.Most often, they are localized in a specific area of the nail, but there are often cases when the pits spread over the entire nail.Outwardly, the plate resembles 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 is due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation.With the development of the disease, the disc is distorted and disappears.Only a small part of the plate at the bottom remains.
Appearance of bleeding
This refers to the development of red or pink spots under the nail.These symptoms appear at the beginning of the pathology.Additional signs, such as the appearance of bruises, may occur under the disc.Thickening and layering of the nail also occurs.
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 necessary.Methods such as biopsies of skin samples and histological examinations help rule out the fungus.
With the help of the differential diagnosis, diseases that tend to affect the nails can be ruled out.These include the following diseases:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is the lack of differences in the composition of the blood.An increase in the level of leukocytes and the sedimentation reaction 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 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:
- appearance of furrows, depressions in the form of points;
- disc turbidity;
- from the outside, the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- pain is felt when pressed.
Onycholysis:
- a change in the color of the disc;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- detachment of the disc from the finger body.
Bleeding:
- the appearance of red, brown and bluish spots under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the disc, obscuration;
- capillary damage;
- Purulent discharge is observed when pressure is applied.
Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, the symptoms may differ slightly.
How to treat nail psoriasis
The question of how to treat nail psoriasis is quite relevant today.In modern medical practice, there are quite a few methods for treating the disease.The main ones are:
- use of externally applied products.
- Taking medicines orally.
- Application of light therapy and other physical treatments.
- Application of traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to examine each method in more detail.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with creams and ointments
Psoriasis of the nails and its drug treatment in the early stages means the use of external agents.
Ointments can be hormonal or non-hormonal.The former are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Psoriasis ointment for fingernails and toenails can also be non-hormonal.These are drugs that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have minimal side effects and do not cause addiction, but you have to wait quite a long time for their effect.Hormonal drugs have a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Internal use of drugs
The treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.The following remedies can be used to eliminate the symptoms and restore the nails:
- Tranquilizers.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines strengthen a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergenic drugs.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has been very successful in recent times.Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy, excimer laser treatment, give excellent results.In medical practice, the following types of physical treatments are most often used:
- UV irradiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- X-ray therapy;
- use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
Important!The duration and number of sessions 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
The treatment of nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a full-fledged therapy.So, below we will find out how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that help to cope with the symptoms of pathology.The most popular drugs are:
Celandine decoction
2 tablespoons are needed for 500 ml of water.l.herbs.Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.The decoction is used for baths;Dissolve it in water at a ratio of 1:2 and dip your nails in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of psoriasis of the nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil is very good at reducing inflammation.It softens the affected areas and enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply oil to the plates with a cotton ball and let it stand for 30-40 minutes.The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Attention!If you decide to treat your nail psoriasis yourself, consult your doctor before doing so, self-medication can harm your health!
Using the bow
Pass the fresh onion through a meat grinder and apply the resulting porridge to the affected nails.Cover the top with a gauze bandage and leave for 30 minutes.The treatment process lasts until the healthy nail grows.Psoriasis of the nails 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 and avoid many unpleasant complications.