Nail psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects both adults and children. It occurs when patches of red, scaly skin appear on the fingernails or toenails. The condition can cause pain, discomfort, and even permanent damage to the nail if left untreated. While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, there are treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
In this blog, we will discuss what nail psoriasis is, its causes and risk factors, as well as treatment options available today. We will also talk about how you can care for your nails if you have been diagnosed with this condition so that you can maintain healthy-looking nails while managing your symptoms effectively. By understanding more about this common yet often misunderstood condition, individuals who suffer from it may be able to find relief from their painful symptoms and lead an active lifestyle without fear or embarrassment due to their appearance.
What is Nail Psoriasis?
Nail psoriasis is characterized by unsightly nail damage, splitting, and lifting. Often accompanied by itching, redness, scaling, and the formation of thickened patches known as plaques, psoriasis on nails can be challenging to diagnose when it occurs alone and is frequently mistaken for other conditions. Psoriatic nail disease can cause pain and aches, making mobility difficult while also causing damage to the appearance of your nails. If you’re self-conscious about your fingernails or toenails, you should seek medical advice to prevent progressive damage.
What Causes Nail Psoriasis?
Nail psoriasis, similar to skin psoriasis, is an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body’s immune system mistakenly perceives healthy tissues as harmful and launches an attack against them. While psoriasis primarily targets the skin, it also impacts other bodily tissues. This inflammatory response prompts additional cell production in the skin, as well as the nails and surrounding tissues.
Psoriasis can cause plaques to develop on the skin, while the overproduction of keratinocytes in the fingernails and toenails can lead to thickening, malformation, and discoloration. These cells are produced at a faster rate than they can be shed, resulting in these unsightly and uncomfortable symptoms. It’s important to note, however, that nail psoriasis cannot be spread to another person as it’s an autoimmune disease, not an infection.
What Does Nail Psoriasis Look Like?
The indications of nail psoriasis are not consistent and may fluctuate over time for different individuals. Nonetheless, there are certain distinct characteristics of nail psoriasis that can alter the appearance of the nail. Some of the telltale signs of nail psoriasis include:
- Changes in how the nail looks
- Changes in the texture of the nail
- Variation in the color of the nail
- Pain and other symptoms
Nail psoriasis symptoms can appear in both fingernails and toenails but are more common on the fingers, and the condition usually impacts a few fingers or toes, not just one.
How is Nail Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Psoriasis cannot be diagnosed through blood tests or imaging studies. In order to diagnose psoriatic nail disease, a physical examination and a discussion about the patient’s medical history must be conducted by a healthcare provider. This procedure is similar to diagnosing psoriasis of the skin.
In order to provide you with the best possible care, your healthcare provider may choose to take nail clippings or a tissue sample from your nail bed for microscopic examination. This is a routine procedure that allows for a more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. If your nails are affected by psoriasis, but your skin isn’t, your provider will do everything they can to rule out other causes before settling on a diagnosis of nail psoriasis.
Summers Laboratories is Here to Help
At Summers Laboratories, we understand how difficult it can be to live with nail psoriasis and the impact this condition has on patients’ lives. That is why we offer a range of products designed specifically for treating psoriasis. Our team of experts is here to help you find the best solution for your particular needs so that you can enjoy healthy-looking nails while managing your symptoms effectively. All of our nail psoriasis products are great at treating your scaly and rough skin to help you live a happier and healthier life. If you have been diagnosed with nail psoriasis or think you may be experiencing signs and symptoms associated with this condition, shop our collection of psoriasis products today.