9 Dez, 2016

Nail Psoriasis: Symptoms and Treatment

Nail psoriasis can have a physical and emotional impact on a person's life. It affects up to 50 percent of people who have psoriasis and as many as 80 percent of those with psoriatic arthritis. It may also occur in a person with no history of psoriasis.

Nail psoriasis refers to changes that occur in the fingernails and toenails when a person has psoriasis. These changes range from discoloration to alterations in the nail bed.

Nail psoriasis can have a physical and emotional impact on a person’s life. It affects up to 50 percent of people who have psoriasis and as many as 80 percent of those with psoriatic arthritis. It may also occur in a person with no history of psoriasis.

Contents of this article:

What is nail psoriasis?
Treatments for nail psoriasis
When to see a doctor
What is nail psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system that varies from mild to severe.

Psoriasis of the nail
Nail psoriasis may affect around half of people with psoriasis.
The condition starts beneath the skin, although it tends to be seen as a skin condition.

Normal functioning skin cells reproduce every 28 to 30 days. In a person who has plaque psoriasis, an overactive immune system causes the skin cells to reproduce every 3 to 4 days. As a result, the visible skin appears thick and red, and it feels itchy.

Nail psoriasis often occurs with psoriasis because nails are part of the skin. They grow from the nail root, which is under the cuticle. The psoriasis forms in the nail root.

Signs of psoriatic nails include pitting. Up to a dozen shallow or deep pits may appear on the surface of the nails. The nails may also split, thicken, crumble, or pull away from the finger.

This can make it difficult to carry out tasks, such as sewing.

Other changes that may occur include:

Onycholysis: If the nail becomes detached from the nail bed and leaves a gap, an infection can develop in the nail and the skin. The nail tip may develop a yellowish patch that extends to the cuticle.
Subungual hyperkeratosis: A chalky substance may develop under the nail, causing a gap. The nail might feel uncomfortable and painful when pressure is applied to it. The toenails may hurt when wearing shoes.
Discoloration: Nails become discolored, often showing a yellow-brown color.
Deformation: Nails can alter in shape and size without any other cause.
Onychomycosis is a simple fungal infection that can cause the nail to thicken. It is often diagnosed separately from psoriasis. Treatment normally involves antifungal medications that target the whole body. For a person with psoriasis, this will be taken into account when choosing a treatment.

Treatments for nail psoriasis
Nail psoriasis does not always cause physical pain, but it is often unsightly, and it can cause embarrassment. Appropriate treatment can prevent the condition from worsening.

Prescription treatments
A doctor can diagnose nail infections and nail psoriasis. Around one third of people with nail psoriasis will also have a fungal infection. A doctor can prescribe medication to treat both at the same time.

Doctors commonly prescribe terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) for nail psoriasis, but these drugs can produce adverse effects. These side effects range from skin rash to liver damage.

Unlike fungal infections, nail psoriasis happens when the nail is forming. Topical medications may never reach the problem area, so doctors usually prescribe oral medications.

Some people who have nail psoriasis have been given corticosteroid injections into the nail bed. This has produced positive results, especially when it was used alongside topical treatments. To minimize the pain of the injection, a numbing agent may be used as a local anesthetic.

Some people have their nails repaired cosmetically, which includes nail scraping and filing. The nail can be removed through surgery, X-ray therapy, or by applying a high concentration of urea. However, it may still have an abnormal appearance when it grows back.

If the infected nails are painful, a doctor may prescribe painkillers. If the nail psoriasis is causing severe disabilities, such as not being able to walk, then a doctor might prescribe systemic medications. These drugs affect a person’s whole body, not just the problem areas.

Examples of systemic medications include methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics. However, it can take a long time for the nail to improve, because the nail that is visible is not the one that is forming.

Homeopathic treatments
Homeopathic anti-fungal creams, gels, and ointments are available over the counter at health stores and pharmacies, but it is important to research the brand carefully.

doctor and patient
Any sign of psoriasis of the nail or a fungal infection should be referred to a healthcare professional.
Some home remedies aim to alleviate the symptoms of nail fungus, but there is a lack of evidence to suggest such treatments can help. Home remedies may not work at all for people who have systemic nail psoriasis.

Consumer Review list a number of household items that some people use to help nail fungus. These include chlorine bleach, beer, vinegar, essential oils, Vicks Vaporub, and Listerine.

The article concludes that these are a “waste of time,” because they are time-consuming and can become expensive when used for a long time.

In addition, there is no evidence that these items produce a definitive cure, and they can be painful or produce unwanted side effects.

Home care and hygiene can prevent infections from developing. A person who has this condition should keep their toenails and fingernails trimmed and clean to deter bacteria from building up. They should trim both fingernails and toenails to the nail bed and then file them down.

To remove dirt from under the nail, a person should soak their nails in antibacterial soapy water rather than using a sharp object. Rubbing moisturizers into the nail and cuticle helps to keep nails soft. Soft skin also helps prevent ingrown nails.

If toenails rub against the top of the shoe, this can lead to jagged and ingrown nails. Wearing larger shoes may help.

Cosmetic treatments
Nail psoriasis can be unsightly and cause embarrassment.

Manicures, pedicures, and nail painting can “hide” the appearance of discolored nails. Filing and shaping nails can make misshapen nails look much better. Some people attach artificial nails to improve the appearance of their nails, but the chemicals in the glue can damage and irritate the nail bed further.

When to see a doctor
If nails show signs of psoriasis or fungal infection, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Anti-fungal medications may help, but if the nail does not improve, or if the condition becomes worse, seek further medical help. If pain occurs when pressure is applied to the nail, this may be a sign of a deeper problem.

Using the wrong medication can be a waste of time and money, and it can lead to unwanted effects.

Nail psoriasis should not disqualify anyone from activities, such as sports, work, social events, or chores.

When cleaning or working with cleaning agents, people with this condition should wear cotton or rubber gloves to protect their nails, especially while using topical medications. Latex gloves are not recommended, as people with psoriasis have very sensitive skin that could affect the condition.

Fonte: Medical News Today

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