Doctor's Notes on Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that usually manifests as patches of raised, red skin with silvery scales. These skin changes in psoriasis usually occur on the elbows, scalp, knees, and trunk. Psoriasis can also affect the fingernails and toenails. The cause of psoriasis is not well understood, although it is known to run in families. Nail psoriasis most likely is caused by a combination of genetic (inherited), immunologic, and environmental factors.
Signs and symptoms of nail psoriasis include
- thickened nails,
- pitting,
- ridges in the nails,
- nails loosening from the nail bed, and
- irregular contour of the nails.
Other associated symptoms and signs can include
- crumbling of the nails,
- white areas on the nail plate,
- furrows known as Beau's lines that run across the nails, and
- thickened skin beneath the nail bed.
What Is the Treatment for Nail Psoriasis?
Treatment for early or mild nail psoriasis involve treatments that can be applied directly to the nails, such as corticosteroids or tazarotene. If stronger treatments are needed, these can include the following:
- Corticosteroid injections
- Laser treatments
- Phototherapy
- Methotrexate
- Cyclosporine
- Acitretin
- Apremilast
- Biologic treatments given for psoriasis (examples include adalimumab or Humira and etanercept or Enbrel, among others)
Psoriasis : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionPsoriasis causes the top layer of skin cells to become inflamed and grow too quickly and flake off.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder caused by inflammation that affects 1%-2% of people in the U.S. There are several different types of psoriasis. Clinical types of psoriasis include pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, or guttate psoriasis. Psoriasis is typically found on the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Symptoms and signs include red, raised, scaly areas on the skin that may itch or burn. Treatment may involve topical therapy, phototherapy, and medication. -
Psoriasis Medications
There are a number of good treatment options to control the skin lesions of psoriasis. Topical agents are practical when treating localized disease. Phototherapy should be considered if the disease covers more than 5%-10% of the total body surface area. Systemic agents should be started only after both topical treatment and phototherapy have been carefully considered. -
Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the skin that affects approximately 5.5 million people in the United States. Typical characteristics of psoriasis are red, dry, patches of skin and inflammation. -
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red raised patches of skin covered with silvery thick scales. Environmental factors and injuries may trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.