Nail psoriasis belongs to one of the varieties of the disease that mainly affects the skin. Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic non-infectious course of a recurring nature. The main signs of damage to nail plates by psoriasis are changes in shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the blade, as well as total detachment of the nail.
With this shape, the skin around the plaque also suffers. Early and incorrect treatment can cause complications such as severe deformities and total loss of fingernails and toenails.
The treatment of psoriasis of the fingernails is similar to other treatments, but has its own characteristics. In the article, we will consider the symptoms, causes and how to treat psoriasis of the nails and toes.
Nail damage in psoriasis can occur under the influence of several reasons. This form is often found in the context of a form of pathology such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy. It is quite rare, but it often progresses with complications and many undesirable symptoms.
The following provoking factors can be attributed to the main causes of the pathology:
- frequent stress and emotional stress;
- incorrect metabolic processes in the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor circulation;
- damage to nails and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
Important! In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs in the context of damage to the nail plates by a bacterial infection. It is quite difficult to diagnose the disease in such cases; an experienced specialist must identify the disease.
Varieties
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of various ages, 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 the breaking of the plate in the form of point indentations. Most of the time, they are located in a certain area of the nail, but there are often cases where the grooves extend across the nail. Externally, the plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this type is often called "thimble".
Onycholysis
This form shows symptoms such as turbidity of the nails and loss of color. This is due to a lack of healthy blood microcirculation. During the development of the disease, the plaque is distorted and disappears. Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.
Onset of bleeding
Implies the formation of red or pink spots under the nails. These symptoms occur at the beginning of the pathology. In addition, signs such as bruising may appear under the plaque. There is also a compression of the nail, its stratification.
Nail psoriasis or fungus how to distinguish?
Often, patients are interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis. This subject is quite complicated and requires consultation with a specialist. Laboratory tests are also required. Methods such as biopsy of dermis samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude the fungus.
Differential diagnosis can be used to exclude diseases that also affect the nails. This includes the following diseases:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the blood composition. The increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation reactions, in most cases indicate the presence of infectious forms of the 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 unpleasant symptoms. Below you can see pictures showing the appearance of psoriasis on the feet and nails. Therefore, we will consider the manifestations of the disease, depending on its form.
The type of thimble psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- appearance of grooves, dot-shaped depressions;
- turbidity of the plate;
- externally the plate bends and takes the form of a hook;
- when you press, you notice pain.
Onycholysis:
- changes the color of the plate;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- remove the plate from the finger body.
Bleeding:
- the appearance of red, brown and cyanotic patches under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its turbidity;
- hair damage;
- purulent discharge may occur when pressed.
Symptoms may vary slightly depending on the severity of the disease and the individual patient.
How to treat nail psoriasis
Is the question of how to treat nail psoriasis quite relevant today? In modern medical practice, there are many ways to treat the disease. The main ones include:
- using external products.
- Taking medications orally.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- The use of traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to consider each method in more detail.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with creams and ointments
Psoriasis of the nails and their early medical treatment involves the use of topical 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.
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 medications have minimal side effects, they are not addictive, but their effect has to wait a long time. Hormonal medications have a rapid effect, but they can cause many complications.
Use of oral drugs
Disease therapy should be comprehensive. The following remedies can also be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators. Medicines help to improve a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
Recently, the use of physiotherapy methods has been showing very well. Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azonotherapy, excimer laser treatment, have 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 must 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 with folk remedies for nail psoriasis has long been used as a type of complete therapy. So, how to cure nail psoriasis at home, we'll see below. There are many recipes to help deal with the symptoms of the condition. The most popular medications include:
Decoction of celandine
500 ml of water requires 2 tablespoons. I. herbs. Bring the product to a boil over low heat, cook for 30-40 minutes. The broth is used for bathing, is dissolved in water in the proportion of 1: 2 and the nails are immersed 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, using a cotton wool, 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 and the resulting porridge is applied to the affected nails. Cover with gauze bandage and leave for 30 minutes. The course of treatment lasts until a healthy nail grows back. Nail psoriasis is considered a serious chronic disease. It is very important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and start the necessary treatment. This will help to keep your feet and hands healthy and prevent many unpleasant complications.