Ava Monroe
Nail psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the fingernails and toenails, causing them to thicken, develop pinprick holes, and change colour or shape. While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. The time it takes for these treatments to clear up nail psoriasis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment used. For example, with corticosteroid treatments, it may take four to six months to see noticeable improvements, while nails can take up to a year to clear due to their slow growth rate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Corticosteroids, medicine injections, oral medicines, phototherapy, aloe vera, Dead Sea salt, turmeric, prescription creams and ointments, systemic medications, biologics, topical treatments, injections, lasers |
| Time to clear up | Symptoms may take a long time to clear up, possibly up to a year. Nails grow slowly, so it can take at least four to six months to see improvements. |
| Symptoms | Pitting, nail bed separation, discoloration, crumbling, ridges, debris buildup, thickening, fungal infection, nail splitting, peeling, separation from the nail bed |
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What You'll Learn
- Treatment options: corticosteroids, injections, phototherapy, oral medicines, and more
- Nail psoriasis can be challenging to treat and may take a long time to clear up
- Topical treatments: creams or ointments applied directly to the affected area
- Natural remedies: aloe vera, capsaicin, Dead Sea salt, turmeric, and indigo naturalis
- Biologics: drugs that target the specific parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation
Treatment options: corticosteroids, injections, phototherapy, oral medicines, and more
While there is no cure for nail psoriasis, there are several treatment options available to help manage the condition. Here are some of the treatment options:
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are often prescribed for nail psoriasis. They can be in the form of creams, ointments, nail polish, or injections. When applied topically, corticosteroids need to reach the nail bed and the area where the nail starts to grow (nail matrix) to be effective. It may take up to four to six months of twice-daily applications to see noticeable improvements. Corticosteroid injections are administered directly under the nail surface every two to nine months, with local anaesthesia to reduce pain.
Oral Medicines
In more serious cases of nail psoriasis, healthcare providers may prescribe oral medicines in the form of liquids, pills, or tablets. These medicines include methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, or apremilast. It is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor before starting oral medications.
Injections
Injections are another treatment option for nail psoriasis. Injections deliver medication directly into the skin around the nails. Medicines used in these injections may include etanercept, adalimumab, or ustekinumab.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light from special lamps to treat nail psoriasis. This treatment is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. In some cases, phototherapy may be combined with a drug called psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB).
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are creams or ointments applied directly to the affected area. These can include over-the-counter options such as aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, capsaicin, or salicylic acid with coal tar. Prescription topical treatments include corticosteroids, vitamin D, retinoid creams, and urea-containing gels or ointments to thin thick nails.
It is important to note that finding an effective treatment for nail psoriasis may require trying several options, as the condition can be challenging to manage. Additionally, nail growth is slow, so it can take at least six months or longer to see improvements, and symptoms may return.
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Nail psoriasis can be challenging to treat and may take a long time to clear up
Nail psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the fingernails and toenails. It can cause the nails to thicken, develop pinprick holes, change colour, and cause pain and discomfort. While there is currently no cure for nail psoriasis, there are several treatment options available that can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
Topical treatments, such as creams or ointments containing corticosteroids, vitamin D, or retinoids, are commonly used to treat nail psoriasis. These medications are applied directly to the affected areas, including the nail bed and the skin underneath the nail. However, due to the slow growth of nails, it can take time for the medication to reach the nail bed and for improvements to be visible. In some cases, more potent corticosteroid injections may be administered directly under the nail surface to deliver the medication more effectively.
Other treatment options include oral medications, such as pills or liquid medicines, that work throughout the body to clear both the skin and nails. These are typically reserved for more severe cases of nail psoriasis. Phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet light, is another treatment approach that may be useful for nail psoriasis. Additionally, natural remedies such as aloe vera gel, capsaicin creams, and Dead Sea salt soaks can be used to relieve symptoms and provide comfort.
It's important to note that everyone's experience with nail psoriasis is unique, and the best treatment approach will depend on the specific symptoms and their severity. Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most suitable treatment plan for managing nail psoriasis.
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Topical treatments: creams or ointments applied directly to the affected area
Topical treatments for nail psoriasis include creams or ointments that are applied directly to the affected area. These medications are typically recommended for mild symptoms that only affect one or two nails. Specific symptoms will usually determine where you use the medication. For instance, if nail pitting is present, you should apply the medication to the area where the skin meets the hard part of the nail (proximal fold). This allows the medication to soak into the nail matrix, which is where your fingernails begin to grow. If your symptoms affect your nail bed, applying the medication to the skin under your nail may be more effective. Trimming your nails before application can help you get the medication in the right spot.
Over-the-counter topical medications include corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone, aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, capsaicin, and salicylic acid with coal tar. Corticosteroids must reach the nail bed and the area of the nail matrix for effective treatment, which can be challenging. It may take at least four to six months of applying the medication once or twice daily before noticing improvements.
Prescription topical treatments include combinations of local medications such as calcipotriene, tazarotene (Tazorac), and tacrolimus (Protopic), and vitamin D or retinoid creams. Gels or ointments containing urea can help thin thick nails, improving the absorption of medication. A prescribed nail lacquer can also be applied daily to hydrate and strengthen nails.
While there is currently no cure for nail psoriasis, these topical treatments can provide relief from symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
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Natural remedies: aloe vera, capsaicin, Dead Sea salt, turmeric, and indigo naturalis
There is currently no cure for nail psoriasis, and it can be challenging to treat. However, natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms. Here are some natural treatments for nail psoriasis:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with anti-inflammatory properties that has played a role in traditional medicines for thousands of years. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends using a cream that contains 0.5% aloe. You can also use natural aloe vera gel directly from the plant by snapping off a leaf and gently squeezing out the gel. Apply the gel or cream to a small area of skin first to check for any reactions. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, you can apply it to the affected area up to three times a day. Research suggests that aloe vera may help reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration, which can be beneficial for psoriasis symptoms.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in hot peppers that gives them their spicy taste. It is available as creams or ointments, which can be applied to the affected area. A study found that topical application of capsaicin resulted in significantly greater overall improvement in psoriasis symptoms, including reduced scaling and redness. However, nearly half of the patients reported burning, stinging, itching, and redness on initial applications, which diminished with continued use. Be careful to avoid touching or rubbing your eyes after applying capsaicin, as it can cause eye irritation.
Dead Sea Salt
Dead Sea salt can provide relief from nail psoriasis symptoms. Add it to a bowl of warm water (around 95°F or 35°C) and soak your nails for at least 10 minutes. You may need to do this several times a week.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with anti-inflammatory abilities that has been used as a healing remedy for centuries in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. A 2018 study found that a group of people with scalp psoriasis who used a topical turmeric tonic twice daily for 9 weeks experienced reduced redness, thickness, and scaling compared to a placebo group. Another study using a curcumin microemulgel formulation applied to the skin also showed improved symptoms.
Indigo Naturalis
Indigo naturalis, also known as Qing Dai, is a plant extract widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been suggested as a safe, inexpensive, and effective alternative topical treatment for nail psoriasis. It shares therapeutic mechanisms with current psoriasis treatments, such as regulating keratinocyte proliferation and reducing inflammatory processes.
Remember, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you are considering natural remedies. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your medical history.
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Biologics: drugs that target the specific parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the fingernails and toenails. It can cause pitting, nail bed separation, and discolouration. There is currently no cure for nail psoriasis, but various treatments can help manage the symptoms.
Biologics are a class of drugs that can be used to treat moderate-to-severe nail psoriasis when other treatments have failed. They are different from traditional systemic drugs, which impact the entire immune system. Instead, biologics only target specific parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation due to psoriasis. By blocking reactions in the body that cause psoriasis and its symptoms, biologics can help control inflammation and prevent joint damage.
Biologics work by blocking proteins in the immune system, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 17-A, interleukins 12 and 23, or interleukin 36. They can also block the action of a specific type of immune cell called a T-cell. These cells and proteins play a significant role in developing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Biologics are administered through injection or IV infusion, and they can be life-changing for people with nail psoriasis. However, it's important to consider the risks and side effects, as biologics can increase the risk of infection. Studies have shown that biologics can be very effective in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, especially when taken continuously.
In summary, biologics offer a targeted approach to treating nail psoriasis by focusing on specific parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation. While they can be effective, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits before starting treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take up to a year for symptoms to clear, as nails grow slowly and it can be challenging to treat nail psoriasis.
Natural treatments include aloe vera gel, capsaicin creams or ointments, Dead Sea salt soaks, and turmeric.
Prescription treatments include corticosteroid creams, ointments, injections, or nail polish, as well as oral medications and phototherapy.
Early signs of nail psoriasis include pitting, nail bed separation, discoloration, and nail crumbling.
If you notice any changes in your nails, consult a dermatologist. They may recommend treatments such as topical medications, injections, or lasers to ease your symptoms.
