Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes cells to grow at an accelerated rate on the top layer of skin. People with psoriasis may have skin that has a red, shiny or scaly appearance. Often, a person with psoriasis will develop the disease on the nail. If this happens, the person would have acquired nail psoriasis as well, although in some rare incidences, a person may develop nail psoriasis as a lone disease. There are several different nail psoriasis treatments, which may be prescribed according to the severity of the condition.
A person with nail psoriasis may alternatively be known to have a psoriatic nail disease. Nail diseases such as this can cause nails to become discolored, weakened and develop lines across them. As the nails are generally a very noticeable part of the body, nail psoriasis treatments can be vital. Sometimes, a flareup of psoriasis involving the nails will be accompanied by a fungal infection. In this event, an anti-fungal ointment may be used as treatment.
Oral medications may also be used as nail psoriasis treatments. The purpose of taking an oral medicine for this nail disease is generally to suppress the rapid reduction of cells that cause psoriasis. These types of medications may also be used to reduce inflammation. Although, they are prescribed to treat the disease, many oral medicines are only taken in spurts. This is generally because they can cause other skin-related symptoms to occur, such as itching and dry skin.
Some nail psoriasis treatments may involve using ultraviolet light. Exposure to natural or artificial light may ease the production of the extra cells. When ultraviolet light is used to treat nail psoriasis, it is best to do it under the strict supervision of a physician. It is important not to be exposed to excessive ultraviolet light. For this reason, a health care professional can advise a person on the best way to use this treatment method in a way that is safe and effective.
Commonly, a variety of creams and ointments containing vitamins and corticosteroids are used as nail psoriasis treatments. Many of these creams contain vitamins A or D, which may be successful in slowing cell growth and soothing the skin. Creams and ointments made with corticosteroids will generally be beneficial in alleviating inflammation. These types of treatments are known as topical treatments, as they are generally applied directly to the nail. Often, a person with nail psoriasis may be prescribed more than one cream to find an effective treatment for this disease.
