Psoriasis Nails vs Fungus – Signs To Watch Out For

If you have noticed changes in your nails, you may be wondering if it’s a sign of psoriasis or fungal infection. While both nail psoriasis and fungal nail infections can cause the same symptoms – discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail – they are two different conditions that require different treatments. Knowing the difference between psoriasis nails vs fungus can help you determine which condition you may have and what type of treatment plan is best for you.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what to look for when trying to distinguish between these two conditions and why it’s important to understand the difference.

Psoriasis Nails Vs Fungus – What Are The Differences Between The Two Conditions?

Fig. 1. Nail psoriasis and fungus infection have somewhat similar symptoms

What Is Psoriasis? 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to grow quickly, leading to patches of red, scaly skin. In some cases, psoriasis affects the fingernails or toenails as well. When it does, it usually presents itself in the form of pitting, thickening, or crumbling of the nail bed. It can also cause yellow or white spots under the nail plate. 

What Is Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)? 

Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is a type of fungal infection that occurs when fungi invade a finger or toenail. It is more common in adults than children and can cause discoloration, thickening, and/or crumbling of the nail bed. Fungal infections may also cause pain and discomfort around the affected area. 

What Are The Signs To Watch Out For?

When looking for signs of psoriasis or fungal infection in your nails, there are certain symptoms to look out for that will help determine which condition you may have. In general, it is important to note whether or not any discoloration or unusual odors are present on the nail bed or cuticles. Additionally, if there is any pain or discomfort in the area this could also indicate a fungal infection or psoriasis.

The most common symptom of psoriasis on nails is pitting, ridging, or thickening of the nail plate as well as discoloration in the form of yellowing or brown spots under the nail bed. Nail psoriasis symptoms often appear alongside other forms of the skin problems such as red patches on the skin and scalp.

On the other hand, fungal infections often cause discoloration on top of the nail plate in white spots and streaks as well as thickened and brittle nails that may separate from the nail bed altogether. A foul odor emanating from an infected nail may indicate a fungal infection rather than psoriasis. You should also look out for debris or powdery substances at the base of your nails if they may indicate a fungal infection.

Ways To Prevent Psoriasis Nails And Fungus From Developing

Fig. 2. Proper hygiene should be observed to prevent either skin problem from developing

The best way to prevent both psoriasis and nail fungus is by practicing good hygiene and keeping your feet dry throughout the day. Wear socks made out of breathable fabrics and keep your shoes clean and dry inside as well as outside. Change socks regularly (at least once a day) in order to avoid moisture buildup on your feet that can lead to toe issues down the line.

Additionally, if you suffer from skin psoriasis or any type of psoriasis elsewhere on your body, try using moisturizers specifically formulated for this condition in order to reduce flare-ups on your feet as well as other areas of skin affected by this condition. 

Can Psoriasis And Fungus Cause Other Health Problems?

Having psoriasis and/or fungus on your nails can lead to other concerning health problems if left untreated for too long. Skin irritation can occur due to the buildup of dead skin cells beneath the nail plate caused by psoriasis, while fungi typically spread more easily when they are left unchecked.

With nail psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis might develop as well as other forms of skin problems. Nail fungi, on the other hand, can result in the alteration of the nail shape. In both cases, leaving these conditions untreated could also lead to secondary bacterial infections which would require antibiotics to properly treat them. 

What To Do If You Think You Have Psoriasis Nails Or Fungus

Fig. 3. Consult a doctor if you see any changes in your nails

Nail changes are very common in people with the psoriatic disease but differentiating between what is caused by normal wear-and-tear versus something more serious such as a fungal infection can be difficult without proper examination by a medical professional. It’s important to pay attention to any changes that occur in your fingers or toes so that they can be properly diagnosed and treated before they become worse over time causing more severe health problems down the road.

If you think you have psoriasis nails or a fungal infection on one or more fingers/toes, it’s important to see a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will likely take samples from beneath your affected nails for analysis in order to rule out any other potential causes such as bacterial infection before prescribing medication.

Depending on what type of infection it is (bacterial vs fungal), they will recommend either antifungal medications like oral tablets or topical medications like creams for treatment. If it turns out that you have psoriasis rather than an infection, then they will likely prescribe steroid creams or light therapy to reduce inflammation and help clear up your condition. 

How Do You Treat Psoriasis Nails Vs Fungus Nails?

A doctor will generally perform a physical exam of the affected area and possibly take a sample from underneath the nail for lab testing in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been made, they will recommend an appropriate course of treatment based on your specific condition.

The treatment options for both conditions differ significantly because they are caused by two different sources which require different medications to treat properly. Toenail fungus is usually treated with topical antifungal creams or oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole. For severe cases, laser therapy may be recommended by a medical professional as an effective treatment option.

On the other hand, psoriasis is usually treated with topical steroids or moisturizers applied directly to the affected area several times a day. Light therapy may also be used in some cases if topical treatments are not effective enough on their own. In extreme cases where all other treatments have failed, systemic medications such as methotrexate or biologics may be prescribed by a doctor to help control symptoms more effectively.

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