Wednesday, March 27, 2024

What Does Psoriasis Look Like On Toenails

Everything You Need To Know About Toenail Psoriasis

Nail Psoriasis: Symptoms, Treatments and More

The skin disease known as psoriasis affects an estimated 10 million Americansabout 4 percent of the population. About half of these affected people have psoriasis symptoms in their nails, and 15 percent experience symptoms only in their nails.

Toenail psoriasisalso known as psoriatic nail diseaseis not merely a cosmetic condition. It can interfere with the ability of a nail to protect the toe or to perceive touch.

Toenail psoriasis can also be quite painful, and the pain can restrict movement, making it difficult for the affected person to walk normally.

This can cause an antalgic gait. In addition, a damaged psoriatic nail can make the nail plate more susceptible to fungal infections.

Psoriatic nail disease is also associated with a serious condition known as psoriatic arthritis80 percent of people who suffer from psoriatic arthritis have had nail psoriatic nail disease.

Nail Color And Structure Changes

Keratin is a protein that promotes the development of the skin and nails. Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis.

People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

How Successful Are The Treatments

Anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness. Unfortunately, however, they can make skin symptoms worse in some people. Steroid injections to joints may give relief. Diseasemodifying drugs such as methotrexate can dampen down both skin and joint symptoms, as can targeted biologic agents.

In some cases, surgery to remove a thickened synovial membrane , realign a joint or to fuse a joint may stop pain which results from movement.

Sometimes it is possible to remove the painful end of a bone .

Remember: All treatments may have unwanted side effects or require special precautions . Always make sure you have all the information before embarking on any course of therapy this includes reading the patient information leaflets provided with your medicines.

Also Check: Can Fish Oil Make Psoriasis Worse

Is Psoriasis The Same As Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. They differ in where the disease appears on the body, how much it itches and how it looks. Eczema tends to appear more often behind the knees and inside the elbows. Eczema also causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can get both eczema and psoriasis.

This is the most common form, accounting for about 80 to 90% of cases.

Its symptoms are dry red skin lesions, known as plaques, covered in silver scales.

They normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body.

The plaques can be itchy or sore, or both. In severe cases, the skin around your joints may crack and bleed.

Impact On Quality Of Life

Nail Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Nail psoriasis has a profound negative influence on all aspects of quality of life as well as on daily, sports, and professional activities.1620 Women try to hide their nails and cover them with nail lacquer although common nail varnishes are not harmful, artificial nails, particularly when long, increase the mechanical stress and strain to the nail plate nail bed attachment acting as a Köbner phenomenon and worsening nail psoriasis. Similarly, professional activities with particular use of the fingers may have a deteriorating effect on the disease. Matrix involvement scores higher than pure nail bed affection as it results in more obvious nail plate damage.19

Read Also: Can Psoriasis Affect Your Heart

How Is Psoriatic Nail Disease Diagnosed

The diagnosis of psoriatic nail disease is usually made by the appearance of the affected nails. Sometimes scrapings from under the nail, and nail clippings, are sent to the laboratory to be tested for fungal infection of the nail, which can sometimes look like psoriatic nail disease.

Occasionally, a sample of nail is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Symptoms For Nail Fungus

The fungus affects toenails more than fingernails. Toenails have more chances of coming in contact with fungus while walking barefoot. If an infected person has walked in a public place, they can spread the infection to others. The following symptoms will help you diagnose finger fungus correctly.

Nail color changes to grey, green or brown depending on the sub species of fungus causing. It begins as a spot and then spreads to your entire nails. Such hyperpigmentation is not observed in nail psoriasis.

Nails become more brittle, crumbled and patches may develop. It easily spreads throughout as your nail grows.

Nail fungus can also spread to other uninfected nails and the surrounding skin.

Recommended Reading: Can You Have Nail Psoriasis Without Skin Psoriasis

Conditions With Similar Symptoms

Nail psoriasis can resemble a fungal infection, such as onychomycosis. This also causes the nails to thicken. Moreover, onychomycosis often occurs alongside nail psoriasis. This can make diagnosis difficult.

Getting a correct diagnosis is important because the treatment for a fungal infection is different from the treatment for nail psoriasis. Anyone with psoriasis and changes in their nails should make sure that their doctor is aware of their psoriasis.

Nail psoriasis does not always cause physical pain, but some people may find it unsightly, and it can cause embarrassment. Treatment can prevent it from worsening.

Treatments include:

  • topical medicines, such as creams applied directly to the nails
  • systemic medications, which affect the whole body
  • intralesional therapies, which involve a doctor injecting medication into the nail bed

Also Check: Does Hongo Killer Work

Pustular Psoriasis Of The Nail Apparatus

Psoriasis Treatment – Explained by Dermatologist

Pustular psoriasis of the nail bed, matrix, or surrounding skin is common and may be painful. It has a chronic course and poor response to treatment. Severe cases are treated with systemic retinoids. Topical calcipotriene is effective in about 50% of patients with localized disorder and is also useful as maintenance therapy after retinoid treatment. Calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% ointment is a combination that may be more effective than calcipotriene alone.

Reid A. Waldman MD, Jane M. Grant-Kels MD, FAAD, in, 2022

Also Check: What Is The Difference Between Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis

How Is Nail Psoriasis Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider can typically diagnose nail psoriasis after a physical exam. Theyll examine your affected areas to look for common signs of nail psoriasis. Theyll also ask about your symptoms and your family history.

Once your healthcare provider has diagnosed nail psoriasis, they may use the nail psoriasis severity index to grade its severity. The NAPSI uses imaginary lines to divide your nail into four even sections . Your nails receive a 0-4 score based on the presence of any nail psoriasis symptoms in each of the quadrants. Your healthcare provider will then add the scores together. A low number means your nail psoriasis is mild, and a high number means your nail psoriasis is more severe.

People with nail psoriasis may develop a number of symptoms. Providers use NAPSI to determine the severity of the condition.

If theres any doubt about your symptoms, your healthcare provider may order a potassium hydroxide preparation or fungal culture to rule out a fungus as the cause of your symptoms. If those test results arent clear, a fungus test known as a periodic acid-Schiff stain can also determine the presence of a fungus.

Nail Psoriasis Or Fungus How To Know When To See A Doctor

Imagine a great mani-pedi session leaving your hands and feet feeling soft and clean. Sounds great right? But wait? Are you seeing some unusual changes on your nails? Discoloration? An unseen spot? Cracking? Your nails might be trying to tell something.

Our nails are made up of keratin-the same protein that makes up your skin and hair. There are times when the keratin structure is altered, damaged, or taken over by fungal infections.

It is not uncommon to have trouble with your nails. However, sometimes it can get complex if not treated timely. You may be suffering from nail fungus or nail psoriasis.

Nail fungus or Onychomycosis is an infection caused by fungus growing in your nails. It is a contagious disease that begins as a white or yellow spot on your nails. The fungus can spread rapidly infecting your entire nail. It may even turn brown or black if left untreated.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease. People suffering from this disease have red, scaly patches on their skin. Psoriasis is a genetic autoimmune disease that spreads to your chest, trunk, fingernails, and toenails. Fingernail and toenail psoriasis is caused due to psoriasis.

Toenails and fingernails are susceptible to both of these nail infections. If you notice any of the below-mentioned symptoms, you must seek help from your dermatologist immediately.

You May Like: Que Es Psoriasis En Español

What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Psoriatic Arthritis

11 Early Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis

  • Joint pain or stiffness.
  • Eye inflammation.
  • Foot pain.

What do your nails look like with rheumatoid arthritis? RA may even lead to changes in your nails, such as the development of vertical ridges or a yellowing and thickening. Changes to your nails can be signs of RA or other systemic conditions and should be diagnosed by a doctor. Most nail changes from RA do not need to be treated independently from the condition.

What are the 5 types of psoriatic arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis is categorized into five types: distal interphalangeal predominant, asymmetric oligoarticular, symmetric polyarthritis, spondylitis, and arthritis mutilans.

What aggravates psoriatic arthritis? Saturated fats, sugar, alcohol, and simple carbohydrates can add pounds, cause inflammation, and trigger psoriatic arthritis flares. Try to avoid foods such as: Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon. Sugary drinks.

What Are Medical Treatments For Nail Psoriasis

What Does Psoriatic Arthritis Look Like â Boutique

A doctor may recommend that a part of the nail be removed, either chemically or surgically. Chemical removal of the nail involves putting an ointment on the nails for seven days. The nail comes off by itself with no bleeding.

Even with effective treatment, an improvement in symptoms may take a long time, since eight to 12 months can be needed to generate a new fingernail.

Also Check: What To Avoid With Psoriasis

What Does Vicks Vaporub Do For Toenails

Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a positive clinical effect in the treatment of toenail fungus. To use, apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.

How do I stop my toenails from thickening? How are thick toenails treated?

  • Clean the affected area with soap and water daily.
  • Groom your nails regularly.
  • Apply an over-the-counter fungal treatment after you gently file your nails.
  • Apply Vicks VapoRub on your toenail each day.
  • Will nail psoriasis grow out?

    Psoriatic nail disease can be difficult to treat and there is no cure. It doesnt usually grow out without treatment, so can continue to cause problems. The appearance of the affected nails can also sometimes cause distress. The treatment of severe psoriatic nail disease is now improving with modern medicines.

    What is sausage digit? The term sausage digit refers to the clinical and radiologic appearance of diffuse fusiform swelling of a digit due to soft tissue inflammation from underlying arthritis or dactylitis.

    Difference Between Nail Psoriasis And Nail Fungus

    There are high chances of getting confused between nail psoriasis and nail fungus. They have many similarities. Hence, it becomes important to tell them apart for correct diagnosis and treatment.

    Symptoms of Nail Fungus

    Deformation and thickening of nails

    Pitting, deformation and thickening if nails

    Darkening of the nails

    Small red or white spots appear on the nail bed

    Nail shape can get distorted

    Nails turn yellow or brown in color

    Brittle and dull nails

    Debris build up underneath lifting the nail from its bed

    Foul-smelling

    Nails detaches from the bed and creates empty spaces in between

    Discharge may be present in some cases

    It can be painful

    Read Also: Why Does Psoriasis Occur On Scalp

    Can You Have Nail Psoriasis Without Psoriasis

    Only a few people have psoriatic nail disease without having psoriasis affecting either their skin or their joints.

    What is the white stuff under my toenails? Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails.

    What is the buildup under toenails? This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

    What do your nails look like with rheumatoid arthritis? RA may even lead to changes in your nails, such as the development of vertical ridges or a yellowing and thickening. Changes to your nails can be signs of RA or other systemic conditions and should be diagnosed by a doctor. Most nail changes from RA do not need to be treated independently from the condition.

    What Can You Do To Help Improve Psoriatic Nail Disease

    What is nail psoriasis: pictures, images, photos on fingernails and toenails
    • Keep your fingernails and toenails as short as possible – long or loose nails are more likely to catch and can cause more damage to the skin underneath the nail.
    • Keep your nails dry.
    • Protect your nails by wearing gloves when doing any manual work.
    • Avoid a manicure of the base of the nail. This may cause an infection.
    • Avoid false nails as they may damage the cuticle and make it difficult to apply treatments to the nail.
    • Nail varnish can be used to cover up pitting. Nail varnish remover containing acetone should not be used, as it can cause damage to the nail.
    • If you have painful toenail psoriasis then you should see a person who is qualified to diagnose and treat foot disorders .

    Note: if you have psoriatic nail disease and develop pain or swelling in one or more of your joints or if you develop pain in your heel then you should see your doctor as soon as possible. You may be developing psoriatic arthritis. It is important that you are seen by a doctor specialising in joint diseases early. It has been shown that the sooner this condition is treated, the less likely you are to suffer permanent damage to your joints.

    You May Like: What Organs Can Be Affected By Psoriasis

    What Treatments Are Available For Nail Psoriasis

    There are many treatments for nail psoriasis. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following.Treatment you apply to the nails: This can be helpful for mild or early nail psoriasis. Nails grow slowly, so youll need to apply these treatments for several months, often once or twice a day. Because nail psoriasis can be stubborn, you may need to use more than one treatment. Sometimes, two medicines are combined to give you a faster response.

    Treatment that you apply to your nails includes the follow.

    • A potent or very potent corticosteroid: This can be helpful for most signs and symptoms of nail psoriasis. Its safe to use this medicine once or twice a day for up to nine months.

    • Calcipotriol: In one study, researchers found this to be as effective as a potent corticosteroid at treating the buildup beneath the nail.

    • Tazarotene: This treatment can be especially helpful for treating pitting, a separating nail, and discoloration.

    If you need stronger treatment, your dermatologist may recommend treatment given in a dermatologist office or clinic. This treatment may include one of the following.

    Psoriasis medicine that can help clear the skin and nails includes:

    • A biologic

    What Does Psoriasis Look Like

    If your skin is acting a bit unusual lately and you think you might have developed psoriasis. Hold on.

    Things are not always what they appear.

    Dermatologists and skin experts confirmed that psoriasis can be mistaken for several skin conditions with the same characteristics that may lead to misdiagnosis of psoriasis.

    Psoriasis, in the beginning, appears as red or pink patches of skin that are usually dry, thick, and scaly.

    Some skin conditions that mimic the appearance of psoriasis are eczema, dandruff, and mycosis fungoides.

    Therefore, it is imperative to consult with a dermatologist to get the confirmation and treatment personalized for your skin type and condition.

    Don’t Miss: Psoriasis On Inside Of Elbow

    What Nail Psoriasis Looks Like

    Nail psoriasis causes changes to your fingernails and toenails

    This fingernail shows 3 signs of nail psoriasis: Crumbling, roughness, and blood under the nail .

    Common signs of nail psoriasis

    This nail also has 3 signs of nail psoriasis: Tiny dents in the nail , white discoloration, and lifting .

    Most people who have plaque psoriasis develop nail psoriasis

    Discoloration , nail lifting from the finger, and a thin line of blood are common signs of nail psoriasis.

    Nail psoriasis usually begins years after psoriasis first appears on the skin

    This patients nail has 3 common signs of nail psoriasis: Grooves, blood beneath the nail , and lifting of the nail from the finger.

    Nail psoriasis can be mild

    If you have psoriasis, ridges and a thin line of blood beneath the nail can be signs of nail psoriasis.

    Improvement from treatment happens slowly

    Nails grow slowly, so it will take 6 months or longer to clear debris, a common sign of nail psoriasis, beneath the nail.

    Management Of Nail Psoriasis

    4

    Management of the disease includes patient education, avoidance of trauma to the nails, and different therapeutic approaches with physical and pharmaceutical procedures and agents.

    Patient counseling includes education on the nature of psoriasis, how life may be influenced by nail involvement, about the specific problems of treatment, that nail psoriasis is not due to an allergy or an unhealthy diet and thus is not treatable with particular foods. However, smoking increases the risk of psoriasis and obesity and alcohol use are associated with a higher risk for psoriasis. It is important to avoid trauma to the nail unit that will inevitably exacerbate the condition or induce recurrences. Manicure and nail cleaning have to be performed cautiously without further traumatizing the hyponychium and attachment of the nail to the nail bed. It is helpful to explain that genes are the most important etiological factors and that the skin and nail lesions are amenable to treatment but that the genes cannot be corrected. Many genes contribute to the psoriatic personality, which may explain the enormous variability of the clinical features including the response to treatment. Particularly, chronic repeated trauma is thought to be an aggravating factor. The development of pits may be the result of microtraumata to the enthesis of the extensor tendon and the dorsal aponeurosis of the distal interphalangeal joint.2 They may be masked using nail varnish.

    Don’t Miss: Does Lemon Juice Help Psoriasis

    Popular Articles
    Related news