Nail psoriasis: consequences, care, symptoms, treatment methods

Psoriatic onychodystrophy, better known to people as nail psoriasis, is a whole complex of various diseases that occur in people of different ages and nationalities. The disease is accompanied by a combination of damage to the nail plates, skin, and human joints. There are no methods that can completely get rid of the problem. Together, doctors have developed different ways to eliminate most of the signs of the disease, thereby putting the patient in remission.

Psoriatic onychodystrophy: what is missing in the body

With psoriatic onychodystrophy, a lack of vitamins B, P, A, C, E, D3, as well as macro- and microelements in the body is often detected. Typically, this condition occurs with insufficient and monotonous nutrition. This leads to a decrease in protective forces and increases the risk of developing chronic epidermal disease. Taking antibacterial agents also reduces immunity and provokes psoriasis.

Treatment of psoriasis

How to treat nail psoriasis? Before starting treatment, it is necessary to analyze the severity of the disease, the patient’s health characteristics and his individual tolerance to drugs.

The basis of treatment are:

Regulating the body's endocrine system
Using medicated varnishes and ointments for the skin around the affected nail
Improving the functioning of the digestive system
Fighting fungus/bacteria/viruses that cause psoriasis

Causes of psoriatic lesions of the nail plate

Nail psoriasis is an incompletely studied pathology. There are many opinions regarding the reasons for its occurrence.

The main factors in the development of psoriatic skin and nails are:

Immune system disorders. As a result, the process of full cell division and fermentation of useful substances changes. Because of this, the nail elements begin to grow and thicken.
Bad genetics. Many scientists agree that the disease is inherited: if the mother or father had psoriasis, then with a high degree of probability such a pathology will occur in the child.

The following conditions most often provoke nail psoriasis:

hormonal disbalance;
hypothermia;
impaired metabolism;
mechanical damage to the cuticle, nail plate;
taking medications that have a bad effect on the immune system;
suffered a severe infection;
problems with the liver, intestines, thyroid gland, and stomach.

In 50% of cases, simultaneous damage to the nail plates and dermis is observed.

Main Possible Causes

Nail psoriasis is a disease that has a complex etiology of its occurrence. In many cases, doctors cannot accurately determine why the patient is showing the first signs of the disease. The most common factors that influence this, experts include:

Psycho-emotional stress, stress. Excessive fatigue, as well as problems at work or school, in 50% of all cases cause the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease. In addition, it is this factor that can provoke the development of relapse.
Skin infection. This applies to infection by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. They provoke a malfunction of the human immune system.
Hereditary predisposition. If one of the parents is sick, the risk that psoriasis will appear in his child is 25%. When the disease develops in the father or mother, the chance of the disease developing in their heirs increases to 70%. At the same time, sick parents often give birth to a completely healthy child.
Some metabolic diseases. They occur more often in women than in men. This is due to the fact that diseases of this type are often associated with pregnancy, the menstrual cycle or menopause.
Malfunctions of the hormonal system. They lead to disturbances in the amount of certain substances in the human body, as a result of which the functioning of all body systems goes beyond normal limits.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver.
Allergic reactions. As a result, the functioning of several systems of the human body is disrupted, which ultimately provokes a problem.
Toxic influence. The appearance of the disease is often associated with a variety of food poisoning. In addition, working in factories or factories can also provoke the development of the disease.
External influence. These can be mechanical, thermal or chemical injuries to the body.

Psoriatic onychodystrophy can occur due to the development of various diseases and pathologies. This does not affect the methods of treating this disease, but it is better to find out the main cause, since it should be eliminated so that it does not provoke a relapse in the future.

What does nail psoriasis look like: onycholysis and other symptoms

Nail psoriasis can be an independent pathology or a form of extensive vulgar scaly lichen.

Signs of onychodystrophy:

redness of fingers;
purulent discharge when pressing hard on the plate;
violation of the integrity of the nail;
the appearance of grooves and depressions on the stratum corneum;
exhaustion, clouding, bending of the nail bed;
formation of bluish, red, brown spots (stripes) on the plate;
peeling of nails from the skin;
presence of itching;
the plate becomes rough, rough;
the appearance of pain when pressing.

Discomfort and poor aesthetic appearance of hands lead to psychological problems. Although the disease is not contagious, many avoid people with psoriatic lesions of the nail plates.

Symptoms of the disease

Symptoms may vary, which directly depends on the location of the disease process. During the active progression of the disease, the latter changes its shape, even appearance. The process itself often involves nearby skin.

Today, professionals identify certain characteristic forms of expression of the disease, which manifests itself on the arms and legs:

Thimble-shaped. It is distinguished by a bend and also clouding of the nail. Small grooves and pinholes appear. Pressing on the nails in such situations is accompanied by painful sensations.
Onycholysis. It is a different color of the nail plus the characteristic is the detachment of the plate from the nail bed. In such cases, pain does not occur when pressed. At the same time, epidermal particles, air bubbles, and dirt accumulate under the nails.
Subungual. It is characterized by damage to the capillaries, which causes bluish, brown or red spots and stripes to appear under the nail plates. In addition, this type of psoriasis is accompanied by symptoms that are quite standard for this disease. If you press on the nail, pus comes out from under it.

What is the danger of pathology for adults and children?

Nail psoriasis is dangerous for adults and children due to its consequences: without treatment, the disease can cause complications in internal organs, joints, and lead to the spread of pathology to the skin. Often inflammation is added to onychodystrophy.

In adults, the risk increases:

exacerbation of chronic pathologies of internal organs;
arthritis;
arterial atherosclerosis;
heart attack;
neuroses;
depression.

Nail psoriasis is just as dangerous for children as it is for adults. Often, onychodystrophy occurs against the background of endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus), vitamin deficiency, which pose a threat to the baby’s life.

Recommendations for quick recovery

Nail psoriasis is an extremely unpleasant disease that requires immediate treatment. If you have this disease, try to lead a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. This will minimize the number of relapses, as well as eliminate the pathological manifestations of this disease.

Remember that it is very important to follow all recommendations of your doctor. He will select an individual treatment regimen for you, thanks to which you can quickly overcome the pathological condition.

Don't forget the following recommendations:

Regularly wash your hands and feet with laundry soap - it kills pathological cells;
Avoid injuring the nail plates;
Use moisturizers regularly;
Trim your nails regularly;
Refuse nail extensions, ensure the sterility of manicure accessories;
Use clear varnishes;
Watch your diet;
Try to lead an active lifestyle;
Protect yourself from respiratory diseases.

Diagnosis of psoriatic onychia

To identify nail psoriasis, a person should visit a dermatologist. The specialist will make a presumptive diagnosis based on a visual examination. But psoriasis of the nail plates in some ways is similar to fungal and bacterial damage. Therefore, differential diagnosis is carried out.

Doctors prescribe to patients:

general serum examination;
blood chemistry;
biopsy;
study of synovial fluid;
taking a test for rheumatoid factor.

These examination methods allow you to make a correct diagnosis and identify the presence of complications.

Clinical picture

The affected nail plates may look different depending on the stage of the pathological process. Sometimes there are minor changes in color and structure, more often the nail changes completely. The first sign of pathology is moderate pain when pressing on the nail bed. If you carefully examine the plate, you will notice that small indentations have appeared on it.

The progression of the pathological process is usually slow. Experts distinguish three stages of disease development: progressive, stationary and regressive. The first is characterized by the appearance of small white or yellow papules on the plates, which gradually increase in size. The pathology has not yet penetrated into the deep layers of the nails, so pain is absent or mild. The outer layer of the nail is already beginning to peel off.

In the second stage, papules do not appear because the process is suspended, but the patient’s condition worsens. The pain syndrome increases, especially when touching or hitting the nail. A rash may appear around the nail bed, the epidermis in the lateral folds becomes dry, often leading to the formation of cracks that bleed. This is especially noticeable when performing any physical work.

The third stage is characterized by the disappearance of papules and the formation of white borders in their place. Typically, patients report severe itching and splitting of the nails, increased pain, and the inability to perform usual household activities. The nail may thicken or thin and move away from the nail bed. The last symptom indicates the development of onycholysis. Pathology usually develops as a result of injury, but can be a consequence of psoriatic onychodystrophy.

In advanced cases, the nail may completely peel off from the nail bed or take on the shape of a tube. Sometimes patients lose all their plates. A similar phenomenon is usually observed when the legs are affected. Unlike other pathologies, psoriasis is rarely complicated, so many patients do not go to the hospital for a long time.

How and with what to treat nail psoriasis on the hands and feet

To quickly remove the manifestations of psoriasis on the fingernails and toenails, you need to approach the problem comprehensively. The goal of therapy is to stop cell proliferation, make the nail more attractive, and eliminate complications. Today, doctors prescribe external and oral agents and physical therapy for treatment. Proper nutrition and diet are of great importance.

What to apply to the affected area: hormonal and non-hormonal ointments, creams and gels

If nail psoriasis is at stages 1-2, then therapy with external drugs is selected. These can be gels, creams, ointments, lotions with antipruritic, anesthetic, and regenerating effects.

The following medications are used:

Retinoid agents (Tazorac, Tazarotene). Suitable for cases of moderate or mild illness.
Salicylic acid. Removes itching, cleans the plate of plaques. Makes treatment with oral medications more effective.
Hormone-containing creams. They quickly help with severe damage. The group includes Triacort, prednisolone ointment.
Vitamin compositions based on D3 (Davonex, Tacalcinol). They have the ability to restore the nail plate.

Stable remission can be achieved using the medications Anthralin, Dithranol, Micanol. These drugs slow down cell division.

What pills to take: antihistamines, steroid medications, immunosuppressants and multivitamins

If ointments, creams and gels do not help, then the doctor adds oral medications. Biological and systemic treatments are effective against fingernail and toenail psoriasis. But they can disrupt the functioning of internal organs (liver, kidneys).

The following medications are used:

Antihistamines (Erius, Fenkarol, Suprastin). Reduce itching and relieve inflammation. To avoid addiction, medications are changed every two weeks.
Sedatives, antidepressants. They relieve stress, which causes deterioration of the nails, and relieve nervous overstrain. It is better to give preference to herbal-based preparations: valerian, peony tincture, motherwort. In severe cases (insomnia, depression), antipsychotics and tranquilizers are prescribed.
Steroids (Diprosalik, Diprospan). They allow you to quickly achieve results in the treatment of nail psoriasis.
Cyclosporine. Suitable for the treatment of onychodystrophy of any stage. After completing the course, the maintenance drug Neoral is prescribed, which has a composition similar to Cyclosporine, but in a lower dosage. They take the medicine for a long time - about two years.
Immunosuppressants (Remicade, Stelara). They inhibit the activity of immune cells and inhibit the progression of pathology. Itching, redness, and peeling go away.
Multivitamin and mineral complexes. You should choose products that contain zinc, calcium, vitamin D3, E, A, and selenium.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

Physiotherapeutic methods can enhance the effectiveness of traditional treatment. Physiotherapy involves eliminating problems, restoring and strengthening the body with the help of natural phenomena. It allows you to achieve stable remission. Can be used in combination with oral and external medications.

Effective physiotherapeutic measures:

Exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultrasonic waves inhibit cell growth and prevent nail splitting. The effect lasts up to six months.
Mud applications. The nail is saturated with vitamin D3, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium.
Wax wraps, foot and hand baths. The procedure softens the nail plate and skin, prevents drying out and cracking, and stimulates tissue metabolism.

How to get rid of a sore with diet: healthy foods and recipes

Without proper nutrition, it will not be possible to achieve long-term effects from taking medications or using physical therapy. The patient is recommended to adhere to the Pegano diet.

Healthy foods:

fresh fruits;
porridge;
veal;
dried fruits compote;
vegetables;
low-fat fish;
herbal teas;
juices;
mineral still water.

Should be excluded:

spices;
conservation;
alcohol;
citrus fruits;
salty dishes;
blue cheeses;
fat;
smoked meats;
sparkling water;
nuts;
sweets;
fried foods.

Treatment with folk remedies at home

Traditional methods can also help in the treatment of psoriasis. They are suitable for use at the initial stage of the disease or as part of complex treatment.

Actionable tips:

Make baths for your fingers and toes using a decoction of chamomile, calendula and sage.
Apply olive (linseed, sunflower) oil to the nail plates daily.
Chop five boiled yolks and fry. Squeeze out the oil using cheesecloth. Treat affected areas.
Mix wheatgrass, cyanosis and dandelion roots, purslane herb, walnut leaves and rose hips in a ratio of 2:2:4:1:4:4. Brew two tablespoons in a glass of water. Take 40 grams after meals.

Features of the disease

Psoriasis on the nails - this disease often occurs in a chronic form. A non-infectious disease is not transmitted by airborne droplets or contact. It can occur in absolutely any person, regardless of nationality, age, gender, work characteristics, and other factors.

The disease, fraught with serious consequences, has been diagnosed in 3% of the world's population. In almost half of the cases, it was determined that the disease was inherited by the patient from his parents.

In 35% of all patients, determining the cause of the disease is completely problematic. Here, only the patient’s attending physician should decide how to treat, after analyzing the condition and comparing the patient’s tests. The treatment process does not depend on whether the provoking factors for the development of the disease are identified or not.

For the first time, this phenomenon affecting the plate interested the French dermatologist Jean Louis Marc Aliber. The clinical lesion was described in 1853 by Laurent-Theodore Biette. In domestic dermatology, the first doctor who drew attention to the disease was Lev Nikolaevich Mashkilleyson. He characterized the symptoms of the disease in 1965. Just 10 years later, Nikolai Dmitrievich Sheklakov associated the disease with arthropathy.

The need to study the phenomenon is due to the fact that the disease is very common. The disease is still considered incurable. It can significantly worsen a person’s life, leading to disability if left untreated.

Is it possible to do manicure and pedicure?

Dermatologists do not recommend pedicures and manicures (especially hardware ones) for people with nail psoriasis. Injury to the plate or skin can provoke an exacerbation of the pathology. Special products should be used for care. Having decided to have a salon manicure (pedicure), you need to take a doctor’s certificate confirming the presence of psoriasis and show it to the specialist. The specialist will carry out gentle treatment.

Thus, nail psoriasis is a rare pathology. The disease brings discomfort and causes psychological problems. Without treatment, onychodystrophy can progress and become more complicated. Therefore, if symptoms characteristic of nail psoriasis appear, you should urgently consult a doctor and undergo a therapeutic course.

Nail care

Nail psoriasis and its treatment must be carried out against the background of correct implementation of various hygiene procedures. To do this, you must follow the following fairly simple but important rules:

Nails should be cut carefully without damaging the surface of surrounding tissues. Under no circumstances should you injure the skin. If this is done, the disease may spread to new areas of the body. Nail psoriasis will have to be treated over a longer period of time.
When doing household chores, you must wear gloves. This applies to washing clothes, washing dishes, and cleaning rooms. In the process, it is often possible to damage the skin, both mechanically and chemically. This should under no circumstances be allowed. If psoriasis of the fingernails or toenails is in remission, this can provoke a relapse.
If possible, you should avoid manicures and pedicures. These procedures damage the skin and nail plates too much.
Be sure to keep your hands clean. Psoriasis damages dirty nails much faster, since dust particles help accelerate keratinization and many other unfavorable processes.

Thus, it is important to understand not only how to cure nails from psoriasis, but ways to prevent the disease from occurring. If you correctly follow all the recommendations of doctors, you can protect yourself from an unfavorable disease for a long time.

Prevention measures

In order to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease, as well as eliminate the possibility of relapse, it is worth taking the following preventive measures:

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Cut your nails regularly
You cannot have a pedicure, manicure, etc.
Try not to injure the nail
Avoid contact with household chemicals (use gloves)

Thus, the above tips will help you avoid diseases such as nail psoriasis.