Psoriatic arthritis is often accompanied by psoriatic nail disease.
Although psoriasis is primarily a skin condition, it can also affect the fingernails and toenails. Nail psoriasis, or psoriatic nail disease, causes discoloration, deformation, and other abnormalities in the nail and nail bed. In most cases, skin psoriasis or skin psoriasis is present when nail psoriasis develops. Psoriatic arthritis is also often accompanied by psoriatic nail disease.
Warm water and aloe vera can help soothe psoriatic nails.
The causes of nail psoriasis are not fully understood, but heredity plays a role. Environmental and immunological factors also contribute to the likelihood that an individual will develop the disease. Psoriatic nail disease is not contagious, so it cannot be spread by contact.
Nail psoriasis can be identified by a series of marks and discolorations commonly seen on the nail. Horizontal lines called “Beau’s lines” may be seen across the nail, or white patches called “leukonychia” may be seen. Nail discoloration is common and oil or salmon stains may also be present, which look like drops of oil or blood trapped under the nail. A splinter hemorrhage, in which a small break in the skin causes a small amount of bleeding under the nail, can be seen as a thin black line running the length of the nail. The spotted lunula, a congestion of the capillaries under the nail, can appear as a reddened arch at the base of the nail.
A biopsy may be done to diagnose nail psoriasis.
Changes in the shape and structure of the nail are also common. Nail psoriasis commonly causes pitting. The skin under the nail can thicken and cause it to loosen and separate. When psoriasis affects the nail bed, nail breakage can occur. Exposed nail beds are more vulnerable to infection, further complicating the condition.
About 5% of people with psoriatic nail disease have no visible signs of skin psoriasis. In these cases, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. There is no cure for nail psoriasis. Medical treatment focuses on minimizing symptoms, improving the appearance and function of the nails, and treating any complicated problems, such as infections.
Your doctor may prescribe topical creams and ointments to treat nail psoriasis. In some cases, the doctor may determine that the nail or part of it should be removed. This can be done with chemical treatment or through surgery.
When psoriasis affects the nail bed, nail breakage can occur.
Trimming your back nails will reduce the chance of infection, which will help prevent them from snagging and separating from the nail bed. Caring for affected nails should be done carefully. Overly aggressive cleaning or nail care can cause psoriasis to flare up and make the condition worse.