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 of a recurrent nature. The main signs of damage to the nail plates by psoriasis are a change in their shape, loss of gloss, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as complete detachment of the nail.
With this shape, the skin around the plate also suffers. Untimely and incorrect treatment can provoke complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of nails on the hands and feet.
Hand nail psoriasis treatment is similar to other treatments, but it has its own characteristics. In the article, we will consider the symptoms, causes, and how to treat psoriasis of toenails and nails.
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 called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy. It is quite rare, but it often proceeds with complications and many undesirable symptoms.
The following provoking factors can be attributed to the main causes of pathology:
- frequent stress and emotional stress;
- incorrect metabolic processes of the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor circulation;
- damage to nails 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. It is rather difficult to diagnose the disease in such cases; an experienced specialist should identify the disease.
Varieties
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of various ages, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35-40 years old. There are several forms of the disease. These include:
Thimble Syndrome
This type is characterized by the defeat of the plate in the form of point indentations. Most often they are localized in a certain area of the nail, but there are often cases when the grooves extend over the entire nail. Externally, the plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this type is often called "thimble".
Onycholysis
This form has symptoms such as clouding of the nail, loss of color. This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation. During the development of the disease, the plate is distorted and disappears. Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.
Onset of hemorrhages
Implies the formation of red or pink spots under the nails. These symptoms occur at the beginning of the pathology. Further, signs such as the appearance of bruising under the plate may occur. There is also a seal 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 rather complicated and requires consultation with a specialist. Laboratory tests are also needed. Methods such as biopsy of dermis samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude the fungus.
Differential diagnostics can be used to exclude diseases that also affect the nails. These include the following ailments:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the blood composition. An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the reaction of erythrocyte sedimentation, in most cases indicate the presence of infectious forms of pathology.
Important! The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can be detected only with the help of laboratory tests. Outwardly, pathologies can be almost the same.
The main manifestations of the disease
Psoriasis of fingernails, like psoriasis of toenails, has many very unpleasant symptoms. Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails. So, let's consider the manifestations of the disease, depending on its form.
Thimble type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of points;
- clouding of the plate;
- externally the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- when pressing, pain is noted.
Onycholysis:
- change the color of the plate;
- nail distortion, violation of its integrity;
- detach the plate from the body of the finger.
Hemorrhages:
- the appearance of spots of red, brown and cyanotic shade under the nail;
- distortion of the plate shape, its cloudiness;
- 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 nail psoriasis is quite relevant today? In modern medical practice, there are many ways to treat the disease. The main ones include:
- using external products.
- Taking medications by mouth.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- The use of traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to consider each of the methods in more detail.
Treatment of psoriasis of nails with creams and ointments
Psoriasis of fingernails and its early medical treatment involves the use of topical agents.
Ointments can be hormonal or non-hormonal. The first ones are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of nails on hands and feet can also be non-hormonal. These are drugs that include zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects, are not addictive, but the effect of them has to wait quite a long time. Hormonal drugs give a quick effect, but they can cause a lot of complications.
Oral drug use
Disease therapy should be comprehensive. The following remedies can also be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators. Medicines help to enhance a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
Recently, the use of physiotherapy methods has proven itself very well. Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy, treatment with an excimer laser, gives excellent results. The following types of physical treatment are most commonly used in medical practice:
- UV irradiation;
- 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-fledged type of therapy. So, how to cure nail psoriasis at home, we will find out below. There are many recipes to help cope with the symptoms of pathology. The most popular drugs include:
Celandine decoction
For 500 ml of water, 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 1: 2 ratio and nails are immersed 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. To do this, using a cotton pad, the oil is applied to the plates and left 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 before that, self-medication can harm your health!
Using the bow
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder, the resulting gruel 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 back. Psoriasis of nails is referred to as a serious chronic disease. It is very important to timely diagnose the disease and start the necessary treatment. This will help keep your feet and hands healthy and avoid many unpleasant complications.