Nail Psoriasis

Psoriasis Slideshow Pictures How Much Is Psoriasis Affecting Your Life? Is Your Psoriasis Treatment on Target?

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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• Nail Psoriasis Overview
• Nail Psoriasis Causes
• Nail Psoriasis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Nail Psoriasis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Support Groups and Counseling
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Viewer Comments: Nail Psoriasis - Symptoms

Nail Psoriasis Overview

Psoriasis is a common chronic condition of the skin. A person with psoriasis typically has patches of raised, red skin with silvery scales. The affected skin may look shiny and red or even have pustules, depending on the type of psoriasis the individual has. These skin changes usually occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. In the United States, about 7 million people (2%-3% of people) have psoriasis. About 150,000-260,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting and thickening and irregular contour of the nail.

Most people who have psoriasis of the nails also have skin psoriasis (cutaneous psoriasis). Only 5% of people with psoriasis of the nails do not have skin psoriasis. In people who have skin psoriasis, 10%-55% have psoriasis of the nails (also called psoriatic nail disease). About 10%-20% of people who have skin psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, a specific condition in which people have symptoms of both arthritis and psoriasis. Of people with psoriatic arthritis, 53%-86% have affected nails, often with pitting.

If psoriasis of the nails is severe and is not treated, it can lead to functional and social problems.