Nail psoriasis – never heard of it? And that’s a good thing. Our nails, whether on our hands or feet, can be attacked by bacteria, germs or viruses and thus be the cause of a variety of diseases. However, nail psoriasis, also known as psoriasis of the nails, is a hereditary disease.
The nails are deformed, have pinhead-sized indentations (so-called spotted nails) and sometimes scales form underneath the nails, which can cause them to turn yellow or appear very porous or brittle and even lead to nail plate detachment.
Who is affected by nail psoriasis?
Stress, alcohol, smoking, injuries or skin damage due to sunburn, medication or even a previous infection can be a trigger for this. Unfortunately, this can hardly be concealed, as the nails show various manifestations of changes in the nail appearance. It is not uncommon for nail psoriasis to be associated with pain, making it difficult for those affected to cope with everyday life. Especially as the psychological stress should not be underestimated. On the feet, such an appearance on the nail or skin can still be concealed by socks and shoes, but on the hands it is visible to everyone.
Anyone can get psoriasis on the nails, but the disease usually develops in early adulthood. Mostly in people who already suffer from psoriasis on the skin. The nails are involved in around 30 percent of all psoriasis patients. In rare cases, nail psoriasis also occurs alone. In Germany, around 500,000 people1 areaffected .
In addition to the infestation of the skin and nails, psoriasis patients increasingly suffer from concomitant diseases such as arthritis (psoriatic arthritis)2. To understand: Psoriasis is a genetically determined excessive immune reaction of the skin. The immune system is not weakened, but works too hard. As there is nothing to repair or defend against, there is instead an increased formation of new horny cells, which in turn leads to the formation of scales, according to the expert Prof. Dr. Kristian Reich3.
Is nail psoriasis a nail fungus?
In many cases, nail changes are caused by a nail fungus (also known as onychomycosis), but they can also be caused by psoriasis. Nail fungus and nail psoriasis can be similar in their symptoms and can also occur at the same time, but the cause is completely different. If they occur, you should always consult an expert who can carry out a nail examination and find out the actual cause in order to restore nail health.
Nail fungus can be treated with medication, nail polish or serum to promote the growth of new, healthy nails. A podiatrist can often help here. Regular use is very important, as if the healthy, regrowing nail is attacked again by the bacteria or viruses involved, the process will take even longer. Patience is required during treatment, as the nail naturally grows back approx. 0.5-1.2 mm per week.
Patience is also required for nail psoriasis, as this treatment is very lengthy and a complete cure is not always possible. Nail psoriasis should be treated by a dermatologist. Medication and so-called photo- or electrotherapy are often used. Cracks or other changes to the nail as a result of nail psoriasis make it easy for bacteria and fungi to grow. Hygiene is therefore crucial here.
Further guides and articles on the topics of germs, bacteria and viral diseases can also be found in our expert tips. Take a look!
1 Source: https: //www.aerztezeitung.de/medizin/krankheiten/haut-krankheiten/article/585558/nagelpsoriasis-stoerend-schmerzhaft.html
2 Source: https: //www.pharma-fakten.de/news/details/608-hunderttausende-in-deutschland-nicht-adaequat-behandelt/
3 Source: https: //www.bildderfrau.de/gesundheit/article209710649/Schuppenflechte-Es-kommt-auf-die-richtige-Therapie-an.html
Image source: schmus / stock.adobe.com
Experten-Tipp entstand in Zusammenarbeit mit:
Anke Niederau
Anke Niederau has been self-employed in medical foot care since 1990. Among other things, she has completed further training on the subject of "reflexology work on the foot" and as a diabetic podiatrist DDG. She is also the author of the bestseller "Das große Buch der Nagelerkrankungen".
Until 2005, she worked as a lecturer in medical foot care at the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts and until 2006 as a teacher at the Kaiserswerther Diakonie specialist school for podiatry. Since 2007, the author has worked as a freelance lecturer at various podiatry and chiropody schools.
