06
May

Psoriasis Under The Toenails

, , ,
,
0

Psoriasis Under The Toenails

Psoriasis Under Toenails can result in severe thickening, discolouration and pitting of the toenails. Learn how to make your toenails better!

 

Psoriasis Under The Toenails
Psoriasis Under The Toenails and Fingernails

 

Causes of Psoriasis Under The Toenails

The cause of psoriasis under toenail is unknown. What we do know is that a good percentage of people suffering from psoriasis also develop nail problems as well. The reports vary with some saying only about 10-15% suffer from them, but other studies claim much higher numbers. The average seems to be around the 25% range.

You are more likely to have psoriasis under your toenails if:

  • You have had psoriasis longer.
  • You are older in age.
  • Your psoriasis is more severe.

 

Symptoms of Psoriasis Under The Toenails:

Toenail psoriasis displays the following symptoms:

  • A discoloration beneath the nail. It is described as an “oil spot”.
  • The nail is much more thick.
  • The nail is extremely rough.
  • The nail displays characteristic pitting.
  • The distal part of the nail appears abnormal.
  • Beau’s lines – these are horizontal ridges.
  • Callus formation under the nail.
  • Loosening of the nail.

 

Diagnosis of Psoriasis Under The Toenails:

The toenails are graded by a system known as the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI). It is a numberical and reproducible system for monitoring the toenail psoriasis. The system is based on assigning numerical values for some of the symptoms listed above.

Home Treatment for Psoriasis Under The Toenails:

Some Quick Tips for Home Care:

  • Keep your nails short and smooth. They are susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections which could make them look much worse.
  • Wear gloves to protect your nails while you are performing activities to keep your nails protected.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes to avoid excess pressure on your nails. Even light irritation and inflammation can make things worse.
  • Make sure to dry your nails properly after bathing.
  • Nail psoriasis is hard to treat, as nails grow very slowly. Be careful with them! They only grow 1mm per month.
  • You can try topical steroid cream temporarily to improve nail appearance.
  • Taking Vitamin D Vitamins may help.
  • Moisturizing ointments at night before bed work well.
  • Soak nails in vegetable oil while watching TV. You can then use an emery board or nail file to take the nails down a little bit.
  • Synthetic nail hardeners can make the nails look much better. These are glossy covers, no one will know the difference!
  • Acrylic nails are dangerous because you are more susceptible for nail fungus already with your psoriasis- I don’t recommend these.
  • Salicylic ointment can work great for your psoriatic nails. Follow directions of your prescriptions.
  • A mutlivitamin- while not completely proven through medical trials, has been recommended by many specialists.

 

Podiatrist Psoriasis Foot Treatment

There are many advances that are occurring in the field of psoriasis under toenail, so get excited! The outlook for psoriasis, while still dim is looking better and better every year.

Treatments focus on managing symptoms with a rheumatologist. Individualized plans can included topical and intralesional creams and injections. You can combine these with systemic and combination oral medication therapies.

 

Good Luck!

 

About the author

The Modern Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist Doctor):Today's podiatrist is required to undergo rigorous medical training that licenses them as physicians with equivalent legal standing to the MD and DO degree (These are physician recognized licenses most common only in the USA). Although admittedly the training does differ between the three degrees. The differences are listed below.In Michigan Podiatrists are trained and authorized to perform surgery in the foot and ankle up to the tibial tubercle below the knee.All our podiatrists and foot doctors have undergone rigorous training including a 4 undergraduate college degree, writing the medical school entrance exam (MCAT), followed by a 4 year medical school degree (DPM - Doctor of Podiatric Medicine),Once podiatrists in the USA complete the rigorous 4 year medical school courses, they are required to complete a minimum of 3 years of a surgical and non-surgical residency program. Some podiatrists and foot doctors then choose to go on to further fellowship training specializing in various forms of specialty such as diabetic surgery or reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.The training is not over yet! Each podiatrist must be judged by a governing body where they submit their surgical cases and are reviewed regularly to ensure excellent results. This is a career long evaluation with board qualifications and certifications every few years.So have faith that today's podiatrist is your best choice for your foot and ankle problems! We are able to approach you foot and ankle problems from a non-surgery perspective, but that when necessary we can provide you with the treatment that you need!All articles written by this account are considered to be for educational purposes only. It is impossible for us to truly assess your condition and the advice we give here is meant to give you a basis to then follow up with your podiatrist and foot doctor later.If you have any questions at all, or there is anything that we can help you with, please feel free to contact our office or email us. Podiatrists provide medically necessary treatment which should be covered by valid insurance plans, we are not a cosmetic or elective medical specialty.