Nail psoriasis (on the nails): what it is and how is the treatment

Nail psoriasis, also called nail psoriasis, occurs when the body's defense cells attack the nails, generating signs such as wavy, deformed, brittle, thick nails with white or brown spots.

Although there is no cure, the appearance of the nails can be improved by carrying out the treatment indicated by a dermatologist, which may include the use of enamels and ointments with substances containing clobetasol and vitamin D. If psoriasis reaches other areas of the body, they can still medications such as corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine or infliximab should be indicated.

In addition, some treatments can be performed at home, such as cleaning the nails, taking care with nail hydration and maintaining a diet rich in omega 3, such as flaxseed, salmon and tuna.

Main signs and symptoms

Nail psoriasis can appear at the same time as psoriasis lesions on the skin, reaching one or more nails. Some signs of psoriasis on the nails are:

• Nail ripples; Nails with deformities; Brittle and flaking nails; White or brown spots; Increased nail thickness; Nail detachment; Bleeding.

The signs of nail psoriasis can be similar to infections caused by fungi, such as mycoses, so as soon as nail changes appear, a dermatologist should be sought to confirm the cause and begin the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment options

The type of treatment for nail psoriasis depends on the amount of nails affected, the general state of health and the severity of the symptoms, and should therefore always be indicated by a dermatologist. Some forms of treatment that can be recommended are:

1. Enamels

Nail psoriasis leaves the nails rough and soft, so some nail polishes can help the treatment, improving the appearance of the nails, making them smoother and more resistant. In addition, some types of nail polish may have products like vitamin D and clobetasol, which help in nail reconstruction.

However, it is important to consult the doctor before applying nail polish on nails affected by psoriasis, as not all nail polishes have benefits.

2. Polishes

In milder cases of nail psoriasis, some types of ointments that contain substances such as vitamin A, vitamin D, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants may be indicated. These ointments should be indicated by the dermatologist and act by reducing inflammation and helping to restore the shape of the nail.

In some cases, when nail lesions are larger and affect other areas of the body, such as the palms, these ointments are used in conjunction with some types of medication.

3. Medicines

When psoriasis affects other areas of the body or when local treatment, with enamels or ointments, does not bring results, drugs such as methotrexate, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, retinoids and corticoids are usually indicated. In general, these drugs decrease the action of the body's defense cells that are attacking the body itself, relieving symptoms.

In some cases, new drugs, called biological drugs, that act specifically on the cells that cause the disease may also be indicated. Some of these medicines are infliximab, etarnecepte and adalimumab, known as Humira. See more about Humira medicine indications.

In more advanced cases of psoriasis on the nails, the doctor may indicate corticosteroid injections, which are given after an anesthesia at the site. In addition, the person with psoriasis should be followed up with a rheumatologist to indicate the daily dose and the duration of treatment with the medications.

4. Natural treatment

Some care can be taken at home to help treat nail psoriasis, such as keeping your nails short and clean. To clean the nails it is necessary to use neutral soaps and antibacterials, in addition to avoiding the use of hard sponges or brushes with thick bristles, as this can cause bleeding in the injured nails.

It is also recommended to use cutters instead of scissors, reducing the risk of hurting your nails more. In addition, it is necessary to keep nails hydrated with appropriate products and indicated by the doctor, as this prevents nails with psoriasis from becoming ingrown. Learn other ways to treat psoriasis naturally:

5. Food

To control the symptoms of nail psoriasis, avoid foods that increase inflammation, such as red meats, sausages and canned foods, such as sausage, sausage and bacon, and foods rich in artificial peppers and preservatives.

In addition, it is important to increase the intake of fruits, vegetables and products rich in omega 3, such as flaxseed, salmon, tuna, nuts and chestnuts. See more about other foods that help treat psoriasis.

6. Alternative treatment

An alternative treatment for psoriasis is bathing in aquariums with clawfish, also called medical fish, which feeds on the damaged skin of psoriasis, which stimulates the growth of a new layer of healthy skin.

This treatment is done in specialized clinics that breed this type of fish, and each session lasts about 30 minutes. The frequency and number of sessions depends on the severity of the disease, and can be done daily or once a week.

What to do to not aggravate the wounds

In order not to aggravate the wounds, one should avoid the use of chemical products on the hands and of soaps, detergents, creams or perfumes that are not indicated by the doctor. An alternative is to use thin cotton gloves during manual work, since rubber gloves can irritate the skin more, taking care that the gloves are clean and used for a short time.

In case of calluses or nail corners, seek help from the dermatologist or podiatrist to properly treat and prevent worsening of the wounds. It is recommended not to use false nails, as the chemicals in the glue can damage and further irritate nails with psoriasis. In addition, it is important not to remove the cuticles, as this can cause infections and worsen the lesions.