Psoriasis of the nails 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 with psoriasis are a change in shape, loss of shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as complete detachment of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the plaque also suffers. Inappropriate and incorrect treatment can cause complications such as severe deformity and complete loss of the nails of the hands and feet.
The treatment for psoriasis of the fingernails is similar to other treatments, but it has its own characteristics. In the article, we will look at the symptoms, causes, and how to treat toenail and toenail psoriasis.
Nail lesions in psoriasis can occur under the influence of various reasons. Often this form is found against the background of a form of pathology such as psoriatic arthritis.
In medical practice, this type is called nail psoriasis or psoriatic onychodystrophy. It's quite rare, but it often leads to complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The following provoking factors can be attributed to the main causes of pathology:
- frequent stress and emotional stress;
- incorrect 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 bacterial infection. It is quite 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 different age groups, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35 to 40 years of age. 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 it often happens that the grooves extend all over the nail. Externally, the plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this type is often referred to as a “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 plaque is deformed and disappears. Only a small part of the plaque remains at the base.
Onset of bleeding
Involves the formation of red or pink spots under the nails. These symptoms occur at the onset of the pathology. In addition, signs such as the appearance of bruising under the plaque may appear. There is also a seal of the nail, its lamination.
Psoriasis or nail fungus how to distinguish?
Often, patients are interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis. This question is quite complicated and requires consultation with a specialist. Laboratory tests are also necessary. Methods such as biopsy of dermis samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude the fungus.
Differential diagnosis can be used to rule out diseases that also affect the nails. These include the following conditions:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatosis;
- 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 erythrocyte sedimentation reaction, in most cases indicates 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
Psoriasis of the nails, like psoriasis of the nails, has many very unpleasant symptoms. Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails. So, consider the manifestations of the disease, depending on its form.
Thimble-type psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- appearance of grooves, point-shaped depressions;
- opacification of the plaque;
- on the outside the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- by pressing, the pain is noted.
Onycholysis:
- changes the color of the plate;
- nail distortion, violation of its integrity;
- Detach the plate from the body of the finger.
Bleeding:
- the appearance of spots of red, brown and cyanotic tint under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its opacification;
- hair damage;
- a purulent discharge may occur when you press.
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 are:
- using external products.
- Take medication by mouth.
- Use of light therapy 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 the nails with creams and ointments
Psoriasis of the nails and its early drug 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.
The ointment for psoriasis of the fingernails and toenails may 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 must wait long enough. Hormonal drugs have a quick effect, but they can lead to many complications.
Oral drug use
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive. The following remedies can also be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives. Immunomodulators
- . Medicines help improve a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
Recently, the use of physiotherapy methods has proved its worth. Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of such methods 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 sessions and their number should be determined by an experienced specialist. Self-medication using these methods is strictly prohibited, as it often leads to 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 the pathology. The most popular drugs are:
Decoction of celandine
500ml of water will require 2 tbsp. l. herbs. Bring the product to a boil over low heat, cook for 30 to 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 is very good at eliminating inflammation. It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals. To do this, with the help of a cotton ball, the oil is applied to the plates and left for 30-40 minutes. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Warning! If you decide to treat nail psoriasis yourself, consult a doctor first, self-medication can be harmful to 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 for 30 minutes. The treatment lasts until a healthy nail grows back. Psoriasis of the nails is considered a serious chronic disease. It is very important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and begin the necessary treatment. It will help to keep your feet and hands healthy and avoid many unpleasant complications.