Nail psoriasis: causes, symptoms, treatment

In a small number of people suffering from a skin condition such as psoriasis, nail disease is also observed. In the nail form of psoriasis, the patient’s nail plate darkens and furrows form on it in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

Nail psoriasis: causes

This nail disease appears mainly due to an immune malfunction in the body. In this case, a disruption occurs in the processes responsible for the fermentation of substances in the human body and for the formation of new cells. An incorrect reaction triggers the process of release, separation and growth of not fully mature skin cells, as well as horny cells of the nail plate.

The human body identifies such cells as foreign and aggressive. Because of this, large numbers of leukocytes and lymphocytes are sent to the inflamed area, which leads to further development of inflammation in this area. Specific antibodies, in turn, cause damage to healthy skin and nails.

Another important factor can be considered severe heredity. It is not without reason that psoriasis is believed to be inherited.

In addition to these two reasons, there are others:

• Bad weather conditions can become an impetus for both the initial manifestation of psoriasis and its exacerbation.
• Severe and prolonged stress.
• Uncured viral infections of various natures.
• A variety of injuries, including cuts and abrasions.
• Some medications containing beta blockers and lithium and other substances.

Nail psoriasis: symptoms

This disease has been known for quite a long time. Its first descriptions were made back in the 19th century. At the same time, it was suggested that skin psoriasis and skin psoriasis are two different diseases. Now scientists have fully confirmed this hypothesis.

Psoriasis can manifest itself in different ways:

• The most studied form of psoriasis is called thimble syndrome. In this case, many small dots and depressions can be seen on the patient’s nails. There is no structure in the shape and size of these pits. In this case, the surface of the nail becomes like a thimble. By the way, a healthy person also has single pits on the nails, but this is not considered psoriasis. Such nail deformations also occur with other ailments.
• The second manifestation of nail psoriasis is the phenomenon of onycholysis. In this condition, the nail moves away from its bed. The patient does not experience any inflammation, and the person does not feel pain either. The separation occurs from one edge. The nail may separate completely or only partially. While the nail is being separated, an air pocket appears where all the contaminants fall: dust, dirt, dead epidermal cells. Sometimes this phenomenon is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
• With nail psoriasis, subungual hemogarias often form. They come in two types. In the first case, spots of reddish or pink color of different sizes appear. In the second case, hemorrhages occur in the form of dark or even black stripes. This occurs due to damage to blood vessels.
• In a few cases, psoriasis is manifested by trachyonychia, which is expressed as a rough and dull surface of the nails. In this case, the hole located at the base of the nail is not observed. Initially, there may be an indentation in the center of the nail plate. It becomes flat, then the nail bends inward.

Treatment of nail psoriasis

Patients with nail psoriasis should prepare for the fact that treatment will take a fairly long period of time. In addition, it should be borne in mind that this disease is practically impossible to completely cure. You can achieve a lasting improvement in the condition, reduce the inflammatory process and improve the appearance of the nail, but this does not mean that under unfavorable conditions the disease will not return.

An integrated approach to the treatment of nail psoriasis has proven itself very well. In this case, it is necessary to take medications internally, follow a certain diet, apply external ointments and courses of physical therapy.

To treat nail psoriasis, it is good to use products containing glucocorticosteroids. However, such drugs must be prescribed by a doctor. If you have already started taking such medications, you should not suddenly stop taking them. This can cause swelling and allergies.

To maintain the body, you need to use drugs containing calcium, as well as antihistamines. With psoriasis, patients suffer from a lack of vitamins, so it is necessary to replenish their reserves.

At the initial stage of the disease, it is advisable to smear the affected nails with prednisolone or hydrocortisone ointment. If the disease is in an advanced form, then it makes sense to use ointments that do not contain chlorine or fluorine. These products include Advantan ointment, Oxycort or Flucenar.

Among folk remedies, we can recommend baths with herb or cocklebur. The therapeutic effect is produced by a composition of technical grease (10 shares), baby cream (1 share) and interior fat (10 shares).

The process of accelerated cell formation can be slowed down with physical therapy. In this case, it is useful to use ultraviolet irradiation. In recent years, laser irradiation of affected nails has proven itself well in the treatment of psoriasis.

To successfully suppress the disease, you must adhere to a diet. The patient's diet consists largely of alkalizing foods. Give up alcohol and tobacco. Spicy, fried foods, milk, nuts and citrus fruits, strong coffee and tea, chocolate products, vegetables from the nightshade family. This diet is similar to eating for gastritis.

If all recommendations are followed, it is possible to reduce the manifestation of the disease. And to maintain the effect and prevent relapses, try to adhere to these recommendations:

• Cover your nails with a clear, protective polish.
• Use creams daily to moisturize the cuticle.
• Increase immunity.
• Do all housework only with special gloves.
• Keep your nails short and don't go barefoot.

Nail psoriasis: photo

Despite the fairly low prevalence of this disease, you can find many photos that show how terrible the disease affects the nails. Here are just a few examples.