1. Soak Your Nails in a Rich, Warm Bath
You can add various soothing elements to your bath to improve the efficacy of treatment. Oatmeal, oils, homeopathic herbs and other anti-inflammatory substances can not only soothe your hands (and feet) but can also get rid of the psoriasis-infused skin layers.
2. Steroids, Retinoids and Phototherapy
Phototherapy involves a combination of treatment using UVA radiation and the drug psoralen. Never attempt phototherapy on your nails at home. Your doctor must supervise to ensure that you get the correct dosage of UVA radiation. Psoralen is available as a topical and oral drug.
Corticosteroids and retinoids like soriatane or accutane can help regulate how the skin cells on and around your nails grow and regenerate. Although these drugs can cure the psoriasis under the nails within a few weeks to a few months, they can change the thickness and appearance of the nails temporarily.
3. Improve Self-Care Regimens
By showering or taking baths often, you'll be far less likely to build up layers of skin that have psoriasis. You may want to brush the affected area with pumice stones or other soft abrasing materials. Be careful not to over treat, however, as you could cause bleeding, cracking or drying of the skin. This damage, in turn, could lead to other skin conditions. In addition to keeping yourself clean, try to get some sunlight and exercise. Although doctors don't understand precisely why, sun exposure can drastically reduce the course of psoriasis.
4. Ointments and Oils
There are literally dozens if not hundreds of standard ointments and tinctures on the market that cannot only help to relieve the itchiness and discomfort of psoriasis but can also get rid of the condition itself. These include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues and topical retinoids. Be sure to keep your hands and/or feet wrapped after you apply any ointments or tinctures, as it's easy for lubricants to rub off these high-traffic areas.
5. Doctor Prescribed Treatments and Therapies
Your physician may be able to inject you with a medication called Ustekinumab. This is a "hard core" treatment designed for severe psoriasis sufferers. If the aforementioned steps don't help to clear up the problem, this may be a good solution. Talk to your doctor about potential side effects and contraindications. You might also consider a hot water spa treatment called balneotherapy, which uses thermal muds, spring waters and mineral baths to eliminate the psoriasis condition.
