6 Tips on Managing Nail Psoriasis

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Nail psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting nail texture, color, and structure.
  • Early diagnosis and compassionate care can slow progression and ease discomfort.
  • Gentle at-home care, a balanced diet, stress management and targeted Natural Skin Revival products can improve symptoms, alongside or instead of conventional treatments.

Table of Contents

What is Nail Psoriasis

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 and Where it Appears

Nail psoriasis can affect any nail, though fingernails are most common. It 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 of Nail Psoriasis

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.

How is Nail Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Your dermatologist diagnoses nail psoriasis based on appearance and health history. They may use the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) to assess severity. If a fungal infection is suspected, tests like KOH prep or PAS staining are used to rule out fungus.

What Causes Nail Psoriasis and How Long Does It Last

The exact cause of nail psoriasis is not well understood, but it is known to be an autoimmune disorder. Psoriasis disturbs skin turnover, accelerating growth under the nail plate. It’s lifelong and may flare due to triggers (stress, injury, infection). Genetic factors play a crucial role, and the condition often runs in families. While no diet cures it, anti‑inflammatory foods (omega‑3s, turmeric, antioxidants) may improve symptoms. Avoiding processed sugars, dairy, and gluten may help reduce flare frequency.

Preventing Nail Psoriasis

You cannot prevent nail psoriasis entirely, but you can reduce flare frequency by:

  • Protecting your hands and feet from injury.
  • Wearing gloves during wet or rough tasks.
  • Keeping nails trimmed and clean.
  • Using gentle, hydrating products to avoid dryness.

Conventional Treatment Verses At-Home Natural Treatment

Conventional Treatment

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.

At-Home Natural Treatment

At Natural Skin Revival, we believe in the power of nature to nourish, heal, and restore balance to your skin, gently and effectively. While conventional treatments like steroids and immunosuppressants can offer fast relief, they often come with harsh side effects and long-term risks.

Natural treatments, on the other hand, support the skin’s natural repair process without disrupting your body’s delicate balance. Our botanical-rich formulations are designed to soothe inflammation, strengthen skin barriers, and improve nail and skin health over time—without the irritation that often accompanies conventional products.

For many, a consistent natural skincare routine can deliver lasting improvement in symptoms. In fact, when combined with healthy lifestyle habits, like anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress management, and protective care, our natural remedies can work just as well, and in some cases better, than conventional options.

Consistency is key. While natural care may take more time to show visible results, it works with your body, not against it, making it a safe, sustainable solution for long-term skin wellness.

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6 At Home Treatment Tips 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.

4. Moisturize Often

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.

Natural At‑Home Care with Neem Oil (Natural Skin Revival)

At Natural Skin Revival, we harness the potent healing power of neem oil, a botanical treasure known for its deep therapeutic benefits in managing nail psoriasis. Neem oil is naturally rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds, making it an excellent natural remedy for calming inflammation, softening thickened skin, reducing redness, and promoting healthy nail regrowth.

Here’s how our neem-infused product collection supports your at-home care routine:

Neem Cream
Formulated with potent neem oil, this nourishing cream penetrates deep into the skin to calm inflammation, reduce scaling, and restore moisture. It also creates a protective barrier against microbial invaders, thanks to neem’s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Ideal for use on hands and around affected nails after cleansing or before bedtime.

ProCure Psoriasis & Eczema Repair Balm
This intensive repair balm combines neem oil with other healing botanicals to target dry, cracked, or thickened skin surrounding the nails. Its antimicrobial action helps prevent infections, while its anti-inflammatory benefits soothe persistent irritation. A little goes a long way in restoring comfort and resilience to sensitive skin.

ProCure Psoriasis & Eczema Relief Serum
Fast-absorbing and deeply effective, this serum is designed for daily use around nails and cuticles. Neem’s antibacterial and antifungal properties support a clean, infection-free nail bed, while its calming components reduce redness and tenderness. Use under balm or cream for enhanced healing.

Neem & Tea Tree Shampoo & Body Bar
This gentle yet powerful cleansing bar is perfect for daily hygiene, especially for those dealing with psoriasis on the scalp, hands, or feet. The neem oil fights inflammation and nourishes dry skin, while tea tree oil boosts antimicrobial protection. Together they help eliminate buildup, soothe itching, and defend against fungal overgrowth that can exacerbate nail issues. Use it as a hand soap, foot cleanser, or body wash to support whole-body wellness.

By using this all-natural neem oil system consistently, you can relieve inflammation, protect against infection, and nourish your skin and nails. All without the harsh side effects of steroids or pharmaceuticals. These products work in synergy to offer a safe, effective alternative that supports long-term nail health and strengthens your body’s natural defenses.

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.

Misconceptions About Nail Psoriasis

  • It’s not contagious – nail psoriasis is autoimmune, not fungal.
  • Not always a sign of arthritis – though common, not everyone with nail psoriasis has psoriatic .arthritis.
  • Not just cosmetic – nails can crack, become painful, and impact daily functions.

Nail Psoriasis vs. Nail Fungus

It’s easy to confuse nail psoriasis with nail fungus, as both conditions can cause thickened, discolored, or brittle nails. However, understanding the difference is key to effective treatment.

  • Nail Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It results from inflammation in the nail matrix and surrounding tissue, leading to pitting, onycholysis (nail lifting), thickening, and oil-drop discoloration. It’s not contagious and often coexists with skin psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
  • Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis) is a fungal infection. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and causes yellowing, brittleness, and separation from the nail bed. Unlike nail psoriasis, it is contagious and typically treated with antifungal medications or topicals.

How to Tell the Difference:

  • Psoriasis often affects several nails symmetrically, while fungal infections may begin on one nail and spread.
  • Nail psoriasis may appear alongside dry, scaly skin or joint pain.
  • A lab test (like KOH prep or fungal culture) may be needed to confirm a fungal infection.

Why This Matters:

Misdiagnosing nail psoriasis as a fungal infection may delay appropriate treatment. Neem oil, used in Natural Skin Revival products, offers a unique advantage—it has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial in both scenarios when diagnosis is uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I manage nail psoriasis alongside psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?

Treat nail symptoms at home while managing overall disease with your dermatologist. Natural nail care complements systemic treatments and helps reduce severity.

2. Is nail psoriasis contagious or caused by fungus?

No. It is autoimmune, not infectious. Fungal infections can occur alongside it, but separate testing confirms any infection.

3. What lifestyle changes can help nail psoriasis symptoms?

Anti‑inflammatory diet, stress reduction, daily moisturizing, glove use during chores, and gentle nail hygiene all reduce flare risk.

4. Can stress or wet work trigger nail psoriasis flare‑ups?

Yes. Stress and repetitive wet/dry cycles can cause flares—protect your hands and manage stress.

5. Can nail psoriasis lead to psoriatic arthritis?

Nail involvement increases arthritis risk, but it doesn’t guarantee it—early treatment may reduce progression.

6. Why is nail psoriasis often overlooked or misdiagnosed?

It can mimic fungal infections or be subtle. Many focus on skin symptoms and miss early nail changes.

7. Should I use nail polish or avoid artificial nails with nail psoriasis?

Light, breathable polish on healthy nails is okay, but avoid fake nails—they damage fragile tissue.

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.

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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

July 15, 2025 12:00 pm

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