Often, nail psoriasis is associated with other forms of psoriasis; more specifically, it occurs mainly in association with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis vulgaris, otherwise defined as plaque or patchy psoriasis.
Given the marked alterations it causes in the nails, this disorder can negatively affect the social sphere of the patient who suffers from it, especially when the nails affected by the disease are those of the hands.
and accidental injuries;punctate in the nail plate (this clinical sign is usually called pitting);
When psoriasis affects the nail bed, however, the following can occur:
- Subungual hyperkeratosis which presents with the formation of yellowish-white scales;
- Thickening of the nail plate due to hyperchiratosis and accumulation of scales;
- Loss of nail integrity;
- Total or partial onycholysis.
Nail psoriasis, therefore, strongly alters the nail structure, thus making the nails more fragile and permeable to external agents, such as water and detergents, but also dirt and microorganisms. It goes without saying that the increase in the permeability of the nail to aggressive and potentially pathogenic agents can also lead to serious consequences.
keratolytics, vitamin D and its derivatives or corticosteroids. The doctor will decide, on a case-by-case basis, which type of drug is best to use and its dosage.
For the treatment of the most severe forms of nail psoriasis and / or if the latter occurs in association with other forms of psoriasis, the doctor may decide to prescribe oral therapy.
Oral drug therapy involves the administration of immunosuppressive drugs such as methotrexate and cyclosporine and / or the administration of biological drugs, such as, for example, infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept and secukinumab. , also in this case, the doctor will decide - on a strictly individual basis for each patient - what type of therapy to undertake for the treatment of nail psoriasis.
plays a very important role. Here are some useful tips.- Keep the nails short and clean, taking care to carry out a delicate cleaning in order to avoid further trauma;
- After washing your hands, dry your nails thoroughly but carefully and gently;
- Use mild soaps for cleansing;
- Protect nails from trauma when performing manual activities;
- Do not wear gloves or excessively tight shoes.
If you find it difficult to treat nails affected by psoriasis, it may be useful to contact professionals - including health professionals - in order to avoid causing further trauma and to avoid further weakening these skin appendages already put to the test by psoriasis itself.
