Nail psoriasis, also known as 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 nails can be improved with the treatment indicated by a dermatologist, which may include the use of nail polishes and ointments containing substances containing clobétasol and vitamin D. If psoriasis reaches other areas of the body, these should still be indicated drugs such as corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine or infliximab.
- In addition.
- Some treatments can be done at home.
- Such as cleaning nails.
- Taking care of nail hydration.
- And maintaining an omega-3-rich diet.
- Such as flaxseed.
- Salmon and tuna.
Nail psoriasis can occur at the same time as psoriasis lesions on the skin, reaching one or more nails. Signs of nail psoriasis include:
Signs of nail psoriasis may be similar to fungal infections, such as fungi, so as soon as nail changes occur, a dermatologist should be consulted to confirm the cause and start the most appropriate treatment.
The type of treatment for nail psoriasis depends on the number of nails affected, the overall health and severity of symptoms, so it should always be indicated by a dermatologist. Some forms of treatment that may be recommended include:
Nail psoriasis leaves nails rough and soft, so a little nail polish can help treatment, improving the appearance of nails, making them softer and more resistant. In addition, some types of nail polishes may contain products such as vitamin D and clobétasol, which help with nail reconstruction.
However, it is important to consult your doctor before applying nail polish to nails with psoriasis, as not all nail polishes have any benefit.
In milder cases of nail psoriasis, certain types of ointments containing 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 injuries are larger and affect other areas of the body, such as the palms of the hands, these ointments are used in conjunction with certain types of medications.
When psoriasis affects other areas of the body or when local treatment with enamels or ointments does not work, medications such as methotrexate, tacrolimus, ciclosporin, retinoids and corticosteroids are generally indicated. In general, these drugs decrease the action of the body’s defense cells that attack the body itself, relieving symptoms.
In some cases, new drugs, called biological drugs, may also be indicated, that specifically act on the cells responsible for the disease. Some of these medications are infliximab, etarnecepte and adalimumab, called Humira. Learn more about Humira’s medical instructions.
In more advanced cases of nail psoriasis, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections, which are given after on-site anesthesia. In addition, the person with psoriasis should be followed by a rheumatologist to indicate the daily dose and duration of treatment with the medications.
Some precautions may be taken at home to help treat nail psoriasis, such as keeping nails short and clean. To clean the nails it is necessary to use neutral and antibacterial soaps, in addition to avoid the use of hard sponges or thick bristle brushes, as this can cause bleeding on the injured nails.
It is also recommended to use knives instead of scissors, which reduces the risk of further nail injuries. In addition, it is necessary to keep the nails hydrated with products suitable and indicated by the doctor, as this prevents nails with psoriasis from getting incarnated. Learn other ways to treat psoriasis naturally:
To control symptoms of nail psoriasis, avoid foods that increase inflammation, such as red meats, sausages, and canned foods, such as sausages, sausages and bacon, and foods rich in artificial peppers and preservatives.
In addition, it is important to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and omega-3-rich products, such as flaxseed, salmon, tuna, nuts and chestnuts. Learn more about other foods that help treat psoriasis.
An alternative treatment for psoriasis is to bathe in aquariums with claw fish, also called medicinal fish, which feeds on damaged skin from psoriasis, which stimulates the growth of a new layer of healthy skin.
This treatment is performed in specialized clinics that breed this type of fish, and each session lasts about 30 minutes. The frequency and number of sessions depend on the severity of the disease and can be performed daily or once a week.
To avoid aggravating wounds, avoid the use of chemicals in hands and soaps, detergents, creams or perfumes not indicated by the doctor. An alternative is to wear fine cotton gloves during manual work, as rubber gloves can further irritate the skin, ensuring that the gloves are clean and worn for a short period of time.
In case of calluses or corners of the nails, ask your dermatologist or podiatrist for help to treat properly and prevent wounds from getting worse. It is recommended not to use false nails, as chemicals in the glue can cause more damage and irritate nails with psoriasis. In addition, it is important not to remove the cuticles, as this can lead to infections and aggravate injuries.