Hi,
I've gone through your query and I understand quite well your concern
The nails are part of the skin so it is perhaps not surprising that a skin disease such as
psoriasis can affect the nails. No one knows the reason why some people 's nail are involved and some others not. In people who develop psoriasis of the nails it is involvement of the nail plate that causes pitting and ridging of the nails. For some unknown reason fingernails are more often involved than toenails.These are the most common changes in nail psoriasis: pitting of the nails,
onycholysis, discolouration,
onychomycosis, subungual (in the base if the nail) hypercheratosis, etc.
Treatments are usually directed at the nail bed that supports the nail or the nail folds that tuck around the edges. Soothing these tissues can result in better nail growth!!
First there are some steps that you should follow at home such as:
-both hands and feet should be to keep the nails short.
-Toenails can benefit by being soaked for at least 10 minutes in a bowl or bath of warm water
-You should cut straight across the toenail, which helps it from becoming ingrown.
-If you toenails are affected, wear comfortable shoes or special shoes a number up your size which make enough space for your toes in order not to harm them.
You can also use some over the counter medications ,such as:
1.topical
steroids rubbed into the cuticle – by massaging steroid creams into the nail plate some improvement of the new nail will be seen (not very soon , often it takes a year to see good results, because the new nail grows very slowly. Please be patient!!)
2.Use vitamin D analogue creams and
ointments rubbed into the cuticle is recommended in the treatment of nail psoriasis ( as it is used to improve skin appereance in these patients, it can give benefits in nails too!)
This cream should be massaged into the cuticle for about five minutes twice a day.
3.Injections of steroids under the nail (these are not a good routine treatment and require local anestethic usage)
4. You can take some supplements too
5.You are sensitive to the chemicals so be careful not to use nail polish.
Wish you good health
Dr. Ermira Biu