Treatments for Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by an increase in the growth and production of skin cells. When cells are produced at the exponential rate, surface skin builds up at a much faster pace than normal, causing dry patches of skin to form along the body. But it isn't just the skin that suffers from this condition. Many people dealing with psoriasis must also contend with the disease affecting their nails. If this were to happen to you, your nails may become pitted, thick, discolored or even deformed. However, you needn't live with this condition as treatments are available.
-
Phototherapy
-
For nail psoriasis, your doctor may recommend that you first try a form of phototherapy to remedy troubled nails. With this form of treatment, exposure to natural UV rays is the most effective, so try getting some sunlight on your skin. This could counteract any deformity or discoloration before the nails have a chance to grow. But prolonged exposure isn't necessary; limit exposure as directed by your doctor.
If you're unable to find time for the sun, use artificial sources of UV rays. Often referred to as broadband UVB therapy or narrowband UVB therapy, exposure is done through the use of artificial lights directly on the hands. Exposure time is limited, but sessions are done a number of times throughout the week. And much like natural phototherapy, these two methods of UV therapy counteract the deformity or discoloration before new nail growth.
Topical Treatments
-
Although not as effective as other forms of treatment, topical lotions or creams are often used when phototherapy fails to work (or vice versa). Corticosteroid lotions and retinoid creams are two of the more common topical treatments, but your doctor may prescribe another medicated ointment. What these types of medications do is either lessens inflammation or balances the DNA activity so that skin cell production slows to a moderate rate. This can change the way in which the nail grows out of the fingers.
-
Injections
-
It is also possible that you may need corticosteroid injections to treat nail psoriasis. In this situation, a corticosteroid drug is injected directly into the finger of the troubled nail. And much like the corticosteroid lotion, this should decrease inflammation and allow the nail to grow back with a normal appearance.
Removal
-
In more severe cases of nail psoriasis, it may be necessary to remove the affected nail prior to other forms of treatment. To lessen pain, a local anesthetic is given. The nail is then loosened from the bed and slowly lifted from the finger. This can allow a more natural looking nail to return in its place.
-
