Psoriasis is a chronic, immunologic skin condition that affects the skin and joints. In psoriasis, the skin makes new skin cells at a rapid rate, much faster than normal; skin cells build up and cause lesions to form. According to the Psoriasis Net website, approximately 50 percent of psoriasis sufferers have psoriatic changes that affect fingernails and toenails.
Appearance
Psoriasis on the nails can appear differently, depending on what part of the nail is affected by the psoriasis. If the nail bed is affected, the nail may have a translucent, yellow-red discoloration, according to the DermNet NZ website. If the proximal nail matrix is damaged, there will be pitting and transverse lines. The lines are caused by intermittent inflammation that stops nail growth, according to the website.
Treatment
Nail psoriasis presents a treatment challenge. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, topical treatments, phototherapy and corticosteroid injections are available options. Cosmetic repair, including scraping and filing or surgical removal, are other treatments mentioned by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Complication
Onycholysis, a complication of nail psoriasis, is the loosening or separation of a fingernail or toenail from the nail bed. According to the DermNet NZ website, onycholysis can occur at any age, in any race and in either sex. To help prevent onycholysis, keep nails short, avoid injury to the nails and keep nails dry. DermNet NZ also recommends avoiding contact with irritants such as nail enamel and nail remover.
