Nail psoriasis is one of the types of disease that 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 shine, the appearance of spots on the plate, as well as complete separation of the nail.
The skin around the plate also suffers from this shape. Untimely and incorrect treatment can cause complications such as serious deformities and complete loss of nails on the hands and feet.
The treatment of psoriasis of the nails on the hands is similar to other treatments, but has its own characteristics. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, as well as how to treat nail psoriasis on the feet and nails.
Nail damage in psoriasis can be caused by a variety of reasons. This form is often found in 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 often goes away with complications and many unwanted symptoms.
The following causes of pathology can be attributed to the following provoking factors:
- 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 a bacterial infection. In such cases, the disease is quite difficult to diagnose; an experienced professional should recognize it.
Sorte
Psoriasis under the nails can develop in patients of different ages, but in most cases it occurs in patients older than 35-40 years. There are several forms of the disease. These include:
Thimble Syndrome
This type is characterized by plate-shaped lesions of the plates. They are most often localized to a specific area of the nail, however, there are often cases where the indentations extend over the entire nail. The outer plate is similar to a thimble, which is why this type is often referred to as a “thimble”.
Onycholysis
This form has symptoms like blurred nails, discoloration. This occurs due to a lack of healthy blood microcirculation. During the development of the disease, the plaque distorts and disappears. Only a small part of the plate remains in the base.
Onset of bleeding
Involves the creation of red or pink spots under the nails. These symptoms appear at the beginning of the pathology. Further, signs such as bruising may appear under the plate. There is also nail compaction, its layered application.
Psoriasis or nail fungus how to distinguish?
Often patients are interested in how to distinguish nail fungus from psoriasis. This issue is quite complex and requires consultation with an expert. Laboratory tests are also required. Methods such as biopsy of dermis samples, as well as histological studies, help remove the fungus.
Differential diagnostics can be used to rule out diseases that also affect the nails. These include the following diseases:
- lichen planus;
- various forms of dermatosis;
- eczema.
The main indicator of psoriasis is also the absence of abnormalities in the composition of the blood. Increased levels of leukocytes, as well as erythrocyte sedimentation reactions, in most cases indicate 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.
Main manifestations of the disease
Nail psoriasis, like toenail psoriasis, has many very unpleasant symptoms. Below you can see photos that show what psoriasis looks like on the feet and nails. So, consider the manifestations of the disease, depending on its form.
Finger psoriasis has the following symptoms:
- appearance of grooves, indentations in the shape of dots;
- panel blur;
- on the outside the plate bends and takes the shape of a hook;
- pain is noticed when pressed.
Onycholysis:
- change panel color;
- distortion of the nail, violation of its integrity;
- detach the board from the body of your finger.
Bleeding:
- appearance of spots of red, brown and cyanotic shadow under the nail;
- distortion of the shape of the plate, its cloudiness;
- capillary damage;
- may press on a purulent discharge.
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 topical today? In modern medical practice, there are many ways to treat a disease. The main ones include:
- using external products.
- Taking medication by mouth.
- Use of phototherapy and other physical treatments.
- Use of traditional medicine.
Next, we suggest we take a closer look at each of the methods.
Treatment of psoriasis of nails with creams and ointments
Nail psoriasis and its early medical treatment include the use of topical agents.
Fats can be hormonal or non-hormonal. The former are used for severe forms of the disease, in cases where non-hormonal drugs are ineffective.
Nail psoriasis ointment on the hands and feet can also be non-hormonal. These are drugs that include zinc, salicylic acid, etc.
Non-hormonal drugs have the least side effects, do not cause addiction, but the effect on them must wait quite a long time. Hormonal medications give a quick effect, but can cause a lot of complications.
Oral drug use
Disease therapy should be comprehensive. The following medications can also be used to relieve symptoms and restore nails:
- Sedatives.
- Immunomodulators. Medications help improve a person's natural defenses.
- Antiallergic drugs.
Physiotherapy
Recently, the use of physiotherapy methods has proved very good. Ultraviolet treatment, as well as the application of methods such as cryotherapy, ozone therapy, excimer laser treatment, gives excellent results. The following types of physical therapy are most commonly used in medical practice:
- UV radiation;
- 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 professional. Self-medication with these methods is strictly forbidden, 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 learn below. There are many recipes that help to cope with the symptoms of pathology. The most popular medications include:
Celandine decoction
2 tablespoons will be needed for 500 ml of water. l. herbs. Put the remedy to boil over low heat, cook for 30-40 minutes. The soup is used for baths, dissolved in water in a ratio of 1: 2 and the nails are immersed in it for 20-25 minutes.
Treatment of psoriasis on nails with natural oils
Velcro oil removes inflammation well. It softens the affected areas, enriches the nails with useful vitamins and minerals. To do this, the oil is applied to the plates with a cotton pad and left for 30-40 minutes. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day.
Attention! If you decide to treat nail psoriasis yourself, consult a doctor beforehand, self-medication can harm your health!
Using arcs
Fresh onions are passed through a meat grinder, and the resulting slurry 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 called a serious chronic disease. It is very important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and start the necessary treatment. This will help keep your feet and hands healthy and avoid many unpleasant complications.