Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the varieties of the disease, which mainly affects the skin. Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic non-infectious course with a recurrent nature. The main signs of damage to the nail plates from psoriasis are a change in their shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as complete detachment of the nail.
In this form, the skin around the plate also suffers. Untimely and improper treatment can provoke complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
The treatment of psoriasis of the fingernails is similar to other treatments, but has its own characteristics. In this article we will look at the symptoms, causes, and how to treat psoriasis of the toenails and toenails.
Nail damage in psoriasis can occur under the influence of various causes. Often this form is found against the background of such a form of pathology as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy. This is quite rare, but often occurs with complications and many side effects.
The following provoking factors can be attributed to the main causes of the pathology:
- frequent stress and emotional stress;
- irregular metabolic processes in the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor circulation;
- nail damage and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
Important! In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs against the background of damage to the nail plates by a bacterial infection. In such cases, it is quite difficult to diagnose the disease; 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. There are several forms of the disease. These include:
Thimble Syndrome
This species is characterized by plate lesions in the form of point indentations. Most often they are located in a certain area of the nail, but there are often cases when the grooves extend to the entire nail. Externally, 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 is due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation. During the development of the disease, the plate distorts and disappears. Only a small part of the slab remains at the base.
Onset of bleeding
Suggests the formation of red or pink spots under the nails. These symptoms appear at the beginning of the pathology. In addition, signs such as bruising under the plate may appear. There is also a thickening of the nail, its layering.
Nail psoriasis or fungus how to distinguish?
Often patients are interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis. This issue is quite complex and requires consultation with a specialist. Laboratory tests are also needed. Methods such as biopsy of dermis samples, as well as histological examinations, help to rule out the fungus.
Differential diagnosis can be used to rule out diseases that affect the nails. 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 reactions of erythrocyte sedimentation, in most cases indicate the presence of infectious forms of pathology.
Important! The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be detected with the help of laboratory tests. Externally, the pathologies can be almost the same.
The main manifestations of the disease
Nail psoriasis, like toenail psoriasis, has many, many unpleasant symptoms. Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis of the feet and nails looks like. So, let's look at the manifestations of the disease, depending on its form.
Thimble psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- appearance of grooves, indentations in the form of dots;
- blurring the plate;
- externally the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- is painful when pressed.
Onycholysis:
- change the color of the plate;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- remove the plate from the body of your finger.
Bleeding:
- the appearance of red, brown and cyanotic spots under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its blurring;
- capillary damage;
- may have purulent discharge when pressed.
Symptoms may vary slightly depending on the severity of the disease and the individual patient.
How to treat nail psoriasis
The question of how to treat psoriasis of the nails is quite relevant today? In modern medical practice there are many ways to treat the disease. The main ones include:
- using external products.
- Oral medication.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical procedures.
- The use of traditional medicine.
Next, we suggest looking at each of the methods in more detail.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with creams and ointments
Nail psoriasis and its early medical treatment involve the use of topical agents.
Ointments can be hormonal or non-hormonal. The former are used in severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of the nails on the hands and feet can also be non-hormonal. These are drugs that include zinc, salicylic acid and others.
Non-hormonal drugs have minimal side effects, do not cause addiction, but the effect of them must wait quite a long time. Hormonal drugs have a rapid effect, but can cause many complications.
Oral drug use
Treatment of diseases should be comprehensive. The following medications can also be used to relieve symptoms and restore nails:
- Soothing.
- Immunomodulators. Medicines help to improve a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
Recently, the use of physiotherapy methods has proven very good. Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, ozone therapy, excimer laser treatment, gives excellent results. The following types of physical therapy 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 with these methods is strictly forbidden, as it often causes many side effects.
The role of traditional medicine
Treatment with folk remedies for the treatment of psoriasis of the nails has long been used as a full-fledged type of therapy. So, how to treat nail psoriasis at home, we will find out below. There are many recipes that help to deal with the symptoms of the pathology. The most popular drugs include:
decoction of celandine
500 ml of water will require 2 tbsp. l. herbs. Bring the product to a boil over low heat, cook for 30-40 minutes. The broth is used for baths, it is dissolved in water in a ratio of 1: 2 and the nails are immersed in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of psoriasis on the nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil removes inflammation very well. It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals. To do this, using a cotton swab, apply the oil on the plates and leave for 30-40 minutes. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Attention! If you decide to treat nail psoriasis on your own, consult a doctor beforehand, self-medication can harm your health!
Using the bow
Fresh onion is passed through a meat grinder, the resulting slurry is applied to the affected nails. I cover it with a gauze bandage and leave for 30 minutes. The course of treatment continues until the healthy nail grows back. Nail psoriasis is referred to as 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.