6 Tips on Managing Nail Psoriasis

Living with psoriasis can be a challenging experience, especially when it affects your nails. Known as nail psoriasis, this condition not only impacts your physical health but can also influence your emotional well-being due to its visible symptoms. At Natural Skin Revival, we understand the complexities of skin and nail conditions and aim to offer natural and effective solutions to manage them. In this article, 6 Tips on Managing Nail Psoriasis, we will explore what nail psoriasis is, its symptoms, causes, and conventional treatments, as well as share six natural ways to help manage the condition.

Nail Psoriasis Overview:

Nail psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that specifically affects the fingernails and toenails. This autoimmune condition prompts the body to produce skin cells at an accelerated rate. When these cells build up under the nails, it leads to various changes in the appearance and structure of the nails.

Appearance:

Nail psoriasis can cause several distinct changes in the nails, including:

• Pitting: Small depressions on the nail surface.
• Discoloration: Nails may turn yellow-brown.
• Thickening: Nails may become unusually thick.
• Onycholysis: The nail may detach from the nail bed.
• Subungual hyperkeratosis: A chalky buildup under the nail.
• Crumbling: The nail can become brittle and break easily.

Symptoms:

In addition to the visible changes, symptoms of nail psoriasis can include pain and discomfort, especially when the affected nails rub against surfaces or are subjected to pressure. The condition can also make it difficult to perform daily tasks, impacting one’s quality of life.

Cause:

The exact cause of nail psoriasis is not well understood, but it is known to be an autoimmune disorder. Genetic factors play a crucial role, and the condition often runs in families. Environmental factors, such as stress and injury to the nail, can also trigger or exacerbate the symptoms.

Conventional Treatments:

Treatment for nail psoriasis can vary depending on the severity of the condition but typically includes:

• Topical treatments: Creams and ointments applied directly to the nail.
• Phototherapy: Treatment with ultraviolet light.
• Systemic treatments: Oral or injected medications that affect the whole body.
• Biologics: Advanced medications targeting specific parts of the immune system.

While these treatments can be effective, they often come with side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

6 Natural Ways to Manage Nail Psoriasis

Adopting a natural approach can complement conventional treatments and help manage symptoms. Here are six tips:

#1. Keep Nails Trimmed & Manicured

Keep nails short to help prevent nails from lifting off of fingers and toes.  It also prevents buildup under the nails. 

#2. Protect Your Nails

If you have fingernail psoriasis, wear gloves while cleaning and doing work with your hands. Nail Psoriasis can flare any time you irritate your skin or nails. Wearing gloves while working with your hands can prevent irritation and the damage that leads to a psoriasis flareup.  This includes housework, yard work, and repairs around the house.

#3. Avoid Personal Care Products With Harsh Chemicals

While managing nail psoriasis it’s important to use mind soaps and cleansers. Commercial body washes, hand soaps, and shampoos contain chemical detergents that dry out the skin and nails. Whether you are washing your face, hair, hands, or body the ingredients in your cleansers matter. Switch to a gentle all-natural cleansing soaps and shampoo bars to prevent flare-ups.

Product recommendations:

#4. Moisturize, Moisturize, and Moisturize Again

The most important step in managing nail psoriasis is to keep them moisturized.  Psoriasis dries your skin and nails.  Apply a moisturizer often, after each hand washing, after bathing, before bed, and throughout the day.  A thick cream or ointment works best.

Product recommendations:

#5. Avoid Biting or Picking Your Nails & The Skin Around Them

Biting and picking your nails and skin can cause injury and increase your risk of getting an infection. Infections can worsen nail psoriasis.  If you need help to stop biting your nails, check out this article: How to Stop Biting Your Nails.

#6. Avoid uncomfortable and tight-fitting shoes.

Tight fitting or uncomfortable shoes are likely to cause pressure around the toenails which will likely damage your nails. Choose shoes that do not rub or squeeze your toes throughout the day. 

Be Mindful of Your Diet When Managing Nail Psoriasis:

Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can help manage psoriasis symptoms. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Combating Nail Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis is a challenging condition, but with the right management strategies, its impact on your life can be minimized. Our 6 tips on managing nail psoriasis is a start. These natural remedies can offer a balanced approach to managing symptoms and improving nail health. Remember, every individual is unique, so it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

If you are not sure that you have nail psoriasis or nail fungus, read up on the difference here: The Difference Between Nail Psoriasis and Nail Fungus. They have a lot of similarities but one is the result of an infection and the other is inflammatory.

When To Consult a Doctor:

Although there is no known cure for nail psoriasis, there are ways to treat and manage it at home.  If you are unsure or are in pain, we recommend you contact a reputable and experienced physician.  Working with a physician who is familiar with this condition, can prevent it from disrupting your life.

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival. DISCLAIMER

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Sources:

https://www.the-dermatologist.com/content/psoriasis-facts

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/genitals/nails

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/nail-psoriasis