We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Psoriatic Nails?

By Amanda Barnhart
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,986
References
Share

The skin condition psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches of skin on different areas of the body, can also be responsible for psoriatic nails. Most people with nail psoriasis also suffer from skin-related symptoms, but some experience symptoms that only affect the fingernails and toenails. Psoriatic nails are characterized by pitting, crumbling, discolorations, and thickening of the skin below the nail. Nail psoriasis is primarily a hereditary condition, and while there is no cure, at-home and medical treatments can help improve the appearance of nails and keep them healthy.

People with psoriatic nails often find their nails are more brittle and looser than normal nails. The thickening of the skin below the nail bed can cause nails to loosen, making them more susceptible to injury and infection. Nails may also crumble and form small indentations on the surface. Discoloration of psoriatic nails most commonly manifests as small patches of red or yellow coloring beneath the nail, but small white patches are common as well.

In many cases, home treatment and care is all that is necessary to keep psoriatic nails healthy and improve their appearance. Patients with psoriatic nails must care for them regularly by keeping them clean and trimmed. Excessive filing and shaping or rough scrubbing can make the problem worse because of the fragile and brittle nature of psoriatic nails. Nail psoriasis patients should wear gloves when using harsh chemicals and should be mindful to protect their nails when engaging in activities that could cause injury. The nails should also be kept as dry as possible because moisture makes them more vulnerable to loosening and breakage.

Psoriatic nails that get worse or are painful may require medical treatment. The most severe form of treatment involves complete removal of the affected nail, but this is only necessary in the most extreme cases. Fungal infections are common in patients with nail psoriasis, and oral or topical prescription anti-fungal medications usually clear the infection within a week. Other medical treatments include injected steroid medications administered under the nail and ultraviolet light therapy to help clear the symptoms.

Patients who suspect they have nail psoriasis should see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Many other nail problems and conditions may resemble nail psoriasis, so an appropriate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. People diagnosed with nail psoriasis should be mindful of their general health and see a doctor regularly because many people with nail psoriasis suffer from other problems, such as psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and deterioration of the major joints in the body.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-psoriatic-nails.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.