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, recurrent course.The main signs of damage to the nail plates by psoriasis are the change 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 plaque also suffers significantly.Premature and incorrect treatment can cause complications such as severe deformities and the complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
Treatment of nail psoriasis is similar to the treatment of other types, but also has its own characteristics.In this article we will look at the symptoms, causes and how to treat psoriasis of the toenails and fingernails.
Nail damage due to psoriasis can occur for various reasons.Often this form occurs 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 is quite rare, but often occurs with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The main causes of pathology include the following provoking factors:
- frequent stress and emotional overload;
- improper metabolic processes of the body;
- chronic infectious diseases;
- poor blood circulation;
- nail damage and exposure to certain chemicals;
- genetic predisposition.
Important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nails due to a bacterial infection.Diagnosing the disease in these cases is rather difficult;an experienced specialist must identify the disease.
Variety
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of different age groups, but in most cases it occurs in patients over 35-40 years of age.There are different forms of the disease.These include:
Thimble syndrome
This type is characterized by plaque lesions in the form of punctate depressions.Most often they are localized in a specific area of \u200b\u200bthe nail, but often there are cases when depressions spread to the entire nail.Externally the plate resembles a thimble, which is why this type is often called a “thimble”.
Onycholysis
This form presents symptoms such as dullness of the nail, loss of color.This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease develops, the plaque deforms and disappears.Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.
The appearance of hemorrhages
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms occur at the beginning of the pathology.Additional signs such as bruising under the plaque may occur.There is also a thickening of the nail and its layering.
How to distinguish psoriasis or nail fungus?
Patients are often interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis.This problem is quite complex and requires consultation with a specialist.Laboratory tests are also necessary.Methods such as biopsy of dermal samples and histological studies help rule out the fungus.
With the help of differential diagnosis it is possible to exclude diseases that also tend to affect the nails.These include the following disorders:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatosis;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the composition of the blood.An increase in the level of leukocytes, as well as the sedimentation reaction of erythrocytes, indicate in most cases the presence of infectious forms of pathology.
Important!The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined through laboratory tests.Externally, the pathologies can be almost identical.
Main manifestations of the disease
Psoriasis on the nails, like psoriasis on the toenails, has many very unpleasant symptoms.Below you can see photos showing what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails.So, let's look at the manifestations of the disease depending on its form.
The thimble type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of furrows, depressions in the form of spots;
- plate turbidity;
- externally the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- when pressed, pain is felt.
Onycholysis:
- change in plate color;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- detachment of the plate from the body of the finger.
Hemorrhages:
- the appearance of red, brown and bluish spots under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its opacity;
- capillary damage;
- Purulent discharge may be observed when pressure is applied.
Depending on the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient, the symptoms may vary slightly.
How to treat nail psoriasis
Very relevant today is the question of how to treat nail psoriasis?In modern medical practice, there are several ways to treat the disease.The main ones include:
- use of external application products.
- Taking medications orally.
- 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 nail psoriasis with creams and ointments
Nail psoriasis and its pharmacological treatment in the initial stages involves the use of external agents.
Ointments can be hormonal and non-hormonal.The former are used in severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of fingernails and toenails can also be non-hormonal.These are drugs that contain zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have a minimum of side effects and are not addictive, but you have to wait a long time for their effect.Hormonal drugs give a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Use of drugs internally
Treatment of the disease must be comprehensive.The following remedies can be used to eliminate symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines help improve a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapeutic methods has proven to be very effective recently.Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the use of methods such as cryotherapy, azone therapy and excimer laser treatment give excellent results.The following types of physical treatment are most often 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 with these methods is strictly prohibited, as it often causes many side effects.
The role of traditional medicine
Treatment of nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a full-fledged type of therapy.So, we will find out below how to cure nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes to help cope with the symptoms of the pathology.The most popular drugs include the following:
Decoction of celandine
For 500 ml of water you will need 2 tablespoons.the.herbs.Bring the mixture to the boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.The decoction is used for baths;dissolve in water in a 1:2 ratio and immerse the nails for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of psoriasis on nails with natural oils
Sea buckthorn oil relieves inflammation very well.It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with beneficial vitamins and minerals.To do this, apply the oil to the plates using a cotton swab and leave it for 30-40 minutes.The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Attention!If you decide to treat nail psoriasis yourself, consult your doctor before doing so, 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 the top with a gauze bandage and leave for 30 minutes.The course of treatment lasts until a healthy nail grows.Nail psoriasis is considered a serious chronic disease.It is very important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and begin the necessary treatment.This will help keep your legs and arms healthy, as well as avoid many unpleasant complications.