Psoriasis is an immune disease that affects skin and joints. In psoriasis, cells grow too fast on the skin, causing skin cell buildup that forms skin lesions. According to the PsoriasisNet website, 50 percent of people with active psoriasis have psoriatic fingernails and toenails.
Features
With nail psoriasis, the nail plate usually shows shallow or deep pitting, thickening of the nail, discoloration and sometimes separation of the nail from the nail bed, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Challenges
Psoriasis affects the nail as the nail forms, thereby making it challenging to treat. Currently, there is not one treatment that leads the way in treating nail psoriasis and many known treatments are not very effective, notes DermNet NZ.
Warning
Even though nail psoriasis is a benign condition, it can be uncomfortable to live with and often unsightly to look at. According to DermNet NZ, some psoriasis sufferers experience psychological stress.
Prevention/Solution
Keeping nails trimmed back has significant importance; loose or long nails can become injured or rub against surfaces, causing damage to the nail. Damage and trauma to the nail bed triggers or worsens psoriasis, claims the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Interesting Fact
Loosening or separation of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed is known as onycholysis. The separation starts at the tip of the nail and moves back. Psoriasis can cause this complication.
