Nail Psoriasis & its Management

Many people who have psoriasis also experience changes in their fingernails or toenails. There are several treatments that can help.
Nail psoriasis is the term for the changes in your fingernails and toenails that occur as a result of having psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, up to half of all people who have psoriasis will have nail psoriasis as well. While it's not a life-threatening condition, nail psoriasis can affect your quality of life, since it may cause you discomfort and affect your self-esteem, and it may also put you at greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. nail psoriasis can be helped with treatment.
How Psoriasis Affects the Nails
Nail psoriasis occurs because psoriasis affects the process of nail formation. People who have nail psoriasis usually have psoriasis on other parts of their body, such as the skin and joints. Rarely does someone have only psoriasis of the nails.
Symptoms of nail psoriasis vary but may include:
Discoloration of the nail to yellow brown
Pitting (holes) in the surface of the nails
Horizontal lines across the nails
White patches on the nails
Thickening of the nails
Nails that separate from the nail bed
Nail Psoriasis Treatment Options
Your treatment will depend on the type of nail psoriasis you have and how severe it is. If you have psoriasis that affects other parts of your body, the treatments your doctor recommends to alleviate those symptoms may also help your nail psoriasis.
In addition to following your doctor's recommendations involving treatment for nail psoriasis, there are other ways to take care of your nails:
Keep your nails trimmed as short as possible.
Wear gloves when you're working with your hands.
Wear shoes with plenty of room in them.
Avoid scrubbing or scraping underneath your nails.
Use gentle nail cleaning tools.
Soak your nails in tar bath oil mixed with water, then apply nail moisturizer.
If your nails are intact, consider using a nail hardener to improve their appearance.
Taking good care of your nails can minimize the effects of psoriasis associated nail changes.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
• Education.
• Reassurance.
• Avoid exposure to cold.
• Moderate, warm climate is beneficial.
• Avoid undue stress.
• Diet: – Avoid fats, highly seasoned and salty dishes. High protein diet (cut down animal protein). coffee, soft Drinks.
• Maintain good hygiene.
• Hot bath in winter, drying and oiling.
• Avoid all factors which trigger psoriasis.
• Reduce stress levels through meditation and Yoga.
• Do not prick, peel or scratch skin. This may trigger psoriasis.
• After bath or wash pat dry the skin. Do not rub the towel vigorously on skin.
• After washing, pat the skin dry, don’t irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
• Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.
• Take a well balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains.
• Take a daily bath in warm water to soak off the scales.
• Try deep breathing and relaxation exercise to reduce stress.
• Do not take coffee, all animal fats, and processed foods.
• Don’t scratch or rub patches of thickened skin.
• Avoid harsh skin products and lotions that contain alcohol. They may dry the skin and make psoriasis worse.
• Keep your towel, clothes separate and clean.