Everything You Need To Know About Nail Psoriasis

Do you suffer from nail psoriasis? If so, you’re not alone. Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that can affect people of all ages. While it most commonly manifests as patches of red, scaly skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, it can also affect the nails.

What is Nail Psoriasis?

Fig. 1. Nail psoriasis
(Source: Wikimedia)

Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune problem that affects the fingernails and toenails. It typically appears along with rashes on other parts of the body. 

The skin problem is caused by an overactive immune system. In people with nail psoriasis, the immune system attacks healthy cells, causing a buildup under the nails.

Nail psoriasis can affect anyone. It is quite common, affecting about 50% of people who have plaque psoriasis. However, you may be more likely to develop psoriatic nails if you:

• Are over 40 years old 
• Are assigned male at birth
• Have psoriasis or a family history of psoriasis
• Have psoriatic arthritis

What are the Symptoms of Nail Psoriasis?

Fig. 2. Symptoms of nail psoriasis
(Source: Freepik)

Nail psoriasis symptoms can vary from person to person. They may be mild or severe. The most common symptoms are:

• Discoloration

You’ll notice yellowing or browning of the nails. Small red or white spots under the nails may also appear. 

• Thickening of the nails

Nail psoriasis can lead to a fungal infection that can result in nail thickening. Infected nails can also become brittle, crumbly, rough, and easy to break.

• Pitting of the nails (small depressions on the nail surface)

It’s usual to see ridges and grooves on the nails affected by psoriasis. 

• Separation of the nail from the nail bed

Temporary nail loss is common, with the nails easily separating from the nail bed. White chalky debris can also gather around the nail, causing it to slowly lift the nail away from the skin.

In some cases, nail psoriasis can be painful and can also lead to infection.

How Can You Confirm If You Have Nail Psoriasis?

Your healthcare provider can typically diagnose nail psoriasis after a physical exam. They’ll examine your affected areas to look for common nail psoriasis symptoms, such as:

• Pitted nails
• Thickened nails
• Brittle or crumbly nails
• Discolored nails
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed
• Buildup of skin cells under the nail

They’ll 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 (NAPSI) to grade its severity. After that, they will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment of nail psoriasis that you need.

The NAPSI uses imaginary lines to divide your nail into four even sections (quadrants). 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 up the scores for all affected nails to arrive at a total nail psoriasis severity score. 

Treatments for Nail Psoriasis

Fig. 3. Topical creams are the usual treatments for nail psoriasis
(Source: Freepik)

There are many treatments for nail psoriasis. Nails grow slowly, so you’ll 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. 

The goals of treatments are to reduce pain and swelling, decrease the rate of nail growth, clear the nails of any debris, and prevent any further infection.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and taking good care of your nails. These measures can help improve nail psoriasis and prevent it from coming back.

If you have nail psoriasis, it’s important to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe the right treatment for you.

Medovie For Nail Psoriasis

Fig. 4. The Medovie 3HX™ Derma Cream

Nail psoriasis is a common nail disorder that can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discolored. It can also cause your nail bed to become inflamed and painful.

There are many treatments for nail psoriasis, but finding the right one can be difficult. The most common treatments today prescribed by doctors are usually very strong, potent corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Before using such strong treatment options, which you don’t know the possible side effects to your body, why not try using safer and more natural options first like Medovie?

Medovie products have been given the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal Of Recognition, so you can rest assured that our creams, shampoos, and lotion are safe and effective for long-term use.

The 3HX™ Derma Cream is derived from 96% natural ingredients and contains no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. It’s easily absorbed and doesn’t leave your nails feeling greasy or oily. Plus, it smells great!

To use, simply apply the cream to your nail bed 2-3 times per day. You should see a difference in 4-8 weeks. It works better if you take it with our 3HX™ Capsules for a holistic effect that will help the body achieve balance from inside and outside. 

If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to treat nail psoriasis, the Medovie 3HX™ Derma Cream is the perfect solution. Try it today!

Care Tips For Managing Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis can lead to several complications, including infection in the area surrounding the nail. Some people also reported suffering from painful nails that make it difficult to wear shoes or even walk. Still, there are those that experience temporary nail loss, or worse, permanent nail damage. 

Nail psoriasis can be a difficult condition to manage. The good news is that there are some things you can do to treat psoriatic nails to ease the symptoms and keep your nails healthy.

Here are some care tips for nail psoriasis:

• Keep your nails clean and dry. This will help prevent infection and further irritation.
• Apply nail cream or ointment. This can help soothe the nail and cuticle area.
• Use a soft nail brush. This can help remove any scales or debris from the nail surface. Be sure to use gentle strokes so as not to irritate the skin.  Do not clean debris from beneath the nail with a sharp object or a nail brush as this can worsen the problem.
• Avoid picking at the nails. This can damage the nail and lead to further irritation.
• Wear gloves. This will protect your nails from further damage.
• Applying nail polish is okay to hide the dents and discoloration. However, avoid attaching artificial nails because they can increase the risk that the nail plate will separate from the nail matrix.
• If you have nail psoriasis, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist for treatment. They can prescribe medication to help ease your symptoms and improve the condition of your nails.

If you have nail psoriasis, it’s important to see a doctor who can properly diagnose and treat the condition. Nail psoriasis can be difficult to treat. But with the right method, you can manage your symptoms and improve the appearance of your nails.