Nail psoriasis is one of the types of psoriasis, which primarily affects the skin.Like other types of pathology, this form has a chronic, non-infectious course of a recurring nature.The main symptoms of damage to the nail plates with psoriasis are changes in their shape, loss of shine, spots on the plate, as well as complete breaking off of the nail.
With this form, the skin around the plate also suffers significantly.Untimely and improper treatment can lead to complications such as severe deformities and complete loss of fingernails and toenails.
The treatment of psoriasis of the nails is similar to the treatment of other types of psoriasis, but it also has its own characteristics.In this article, we will look at the symptoms, causes and treatments of psoriasis of the toenails and nails.
Nail damage due to psoriasis can occur for a variety of reasons.Often this form occurs against the background of a pathological form 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.
It is important!In some patients, nail psoriasis occurs due to damage to the nail plates by a bacterial infection.In such cases, the diagnosis of the disease is quite difficult;an experienced specialist must 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 35-40 years of age.There are several forms of the disease.These include:
Thimble syndrome
This type is characterized by lesions of the plate in the form of precise depressions.Most often, they are localized in a certain area of the nail, but there are often cases where depressions spread to the entire nail.Externally, the plate looks like a high, so this type is often called "high".
Onycholysis
In this form, there are symptoms such as blurriness and loss of color in the nail.This happens due to the lack of healthy blood microcirculation.As the disease progresses, the plaque breaks down and disappears.Only a small part of the plate remains at the base.
The appearance of bleeding
This refers to the formation of red or pink spots under the nails.These symptoms occur at the beginning of the pathology.Additional signs may appear, such as the appearance of rot under the plate.There is also thickening of the nail and its stratification.
How to distinguish psoriasis or fungus on the nails?
Patients often wonder how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis.This issue is quite complex and requires consultation with a specialist.Laboratory tests are also required.Methods such as biopsies of skin samples, as well as histological studies, help to exclude fungi.
With the help of differential diagnosis, it is possible to rule out diseases that also affect nails.These include the following diseases:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatoses;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is the absence of abnormalities in 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 the pathology.
It is important!The difference between nail fungus and nail psoriasis can only be determined by laboratory tests.Outwardly, the pathologies can be almost the same.
The main manifestations of the disease
Psoriasis on the nails, like psoriasis on the toenails, has very unpleasant symptoms.Below you can see photos showing how psoriasis looks on the feet and nails.So, let's look at the manifestations depending on the form of the disease.
The extreme type of psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- the appearance of grooves, depressions in the form of points;
- cloudiness of the plate;
- externally, the plate bends and takes the form of a fork;
- pain is felt when pressed.
Onycholysis:
- plate color change;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- separation of the plate from the finger body.
Bleeding:
- the appearance of red, brown and blue spots under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its clouding;
- 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
Today, the question of how to treat nail psoriasis is quite relevant?In modern medical practice, there are several ways to treat the disease.The main ones include:
- use of external application products.
- Taking drugs orally.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- Use of traditional medicine.
Next, we propose to consider each of the methods in more detail.
Treatment of nail psoriasis with creams and ointments
Psoriasis of the nails and its drug treatment at the initial stage involves the use of external agents.
Ointments can be hormonal or non-hormonal.First, it is used for severe forms of the disease in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Ointment for psoriasis of the nails and toenails can also be non-hormonal.These are preparations containing zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have minimal side effects and are not addictive, but you have to wait a long time for their effect.Hormonal drugs have a quick effect, but can cause many complications.
Internal use of drugs
Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive.The following remedies can be used to relieve symptoms and restore nails:
- Tranquilizers.
- Immunomodulators.Medicines help strengthen a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
The use of physiotherapy methods has recently proven itself very well.The use of methods such as ultraviolet treatment, cryotherapy, azone therapy, excimer laser treatment gives excellent results.The following types of physical therapy are most commonly used in medical practice:
- ultraviolet radiation;
- PUVA therapy;
- x-ray therapy;
- use of ultrasound;
- laser treatment.
It is important!The duration and number of sessions 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 of nail psoriasis with folk remedies has long been used as a full-fledged type of therapy.So, below we will learn how to treat nail psoriasis at home.There are many recipes that will help to fight pathological symptoms.The most popular drugs include:
Decoction of celandine
2 tablespoons are needed for 500 ml of water.l.herbs.Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat and cook for 30-40 minutes.The solution is used for bathing;it is dissolved in water at 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
Chaitikan oil is very good at relieving inflammation.It softens the affected areas and enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals.To do this, using a cotton pad, apply oil to 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 yourself, consult your doctor before doing so, self-medication can be harmful to your health!
Use of bow
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder and the resulting porridge is applied to the affected nails.Cover with cheesecloth and leave for 30 minutes.The course of treatment continues until a healthy nail grows.Nail psoriasis is considered a serious chronic disease.It is very important to detect the disease in time and start the necessary treatment.This will help keep your legs and arms healthy, and also avoid many unpleasant side effects.