Skin DiseasesNail psoriasis

Nail psoriasis in Lithuania

Nail psoriasis on the toenails showing thickened, yellowed and crumbling nails with deformed surface.

Need an online dermatologist for nail psoriasis in Lithuania? iDerma's doctors review your photos and reply within 24 hours — from 49 €.

Introduction

Nail psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with psoriasis, primarily affecting the nails of the hands and feet. This condition can be not only uncomfortable but also significantly impact quality of life. It is important to recognize the symptoms and know the treatment options to alleviate the condition.

 

What is it?

Nail psoriasis is a form of psoriasis where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and abnormal cell growth. It can occur at any age, although it is more common after the age of 40, and more frequently among men.

 

Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic factors play a crucial role in the development of nail psoriasis. Individuals with a family history of psoriasis are at higher risk. More than 50 percent of individuals with skin psoriasis also experience nail problems. Many sufferers also experience psoriatic arthritis.

  • Genetics – family history of psoriasis.
  • Immune response disorders.
  • Sometimes severe stress or skin trauma can trigger the condition.

 

Symptoms

The symptoms of nail psoriasis can range from mild cosmetic issues to more severe cases causing pain and discomfort. The most common symptoms include:

  • Spots under the nails (known as oil spots) – yellow, red, pink, or brown.
  • Pitting and horizontal lines on the nail plate.
  • Brittle, crumbling, or splitting nails.
  • Thickening of the nail due to keratin buildup under the nails.
  • A feeling of tightness, soreness, and general discomfort.

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis. The dermatologists at our clinic can help accurately diagnose, assess the severity of the condition, and select an individualized treatment and care plan. Consultations are available both in-person and online.

 

Diagnosis

To diagnose nail psoriasis, a patient interview and clinical examination are usually sufficient. Sometimes additional tests, such as tests for fungal infections (KOH test), are necessary, especially if there is suspicion that an infection has contributed to the symptoms.

 

Treatment

Treatment requires an individualized approach, considering the severity of the symptoms. General recommendations include nail care – keeping them short and avoiding trauma. Treatment strategies include:

  • Topical treatments applied directly to the affected skin.
  • Systemic methods aimed at reducing overall inflammation.
  • Light therapy and specialized procedures tailored to the specific nail condition.
  • Innovative treatment strategies for more severe cases.

Combining several therapies achieves the best results, but it is important to do so under a doctor's supervision.

ARTICLE_GIF

 

Care and Prevention

To improve nail health and prevent complications, it is important to properly care for the nails and adhere to the required care guidelines:

  • Regularly trim nails and care for the surrounding skin.
  • Avoid aggressive cleaning and trauma.
  • Use moisturizing products that help improve skin condition.
  • If possible, avoid stress, which can worsen psoriasis symptoms.

 

Conclusions

Nail psoriasis is a complex condition that causes both physical and emotional discomfort. It is important to seek specialist help in a timely manner to select the best treatment plan and help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. The dermatologists at our clinic are ready to assist and consult on the most appropriate treatment solutions, considering individual needs and the complexity of the condition.

Still unsure?

A dermatologist writes a plan made for your skin.

Not another off-the-shelf cream — a certified specialist’s diagnosis and personal treatment plan, within 24 hours.

Start your consultation
Personal treatment plan
24h
Diagnosis
Treatment plan
Prescriptions
iDerma
Board-certified dermatologist

Article by

Anna Tunkeviča

Medical content reviewed by

Živilė Gabdrafikė(Dermatologist)

Our other articles

Red thick psoriasis plaques with silvery scales on both forearms and elbows.

Psoriasis

A common, chronic, inflammatory, recurring skin disease that affects 2-3% of the population. Psoriasis can start at any age, and is most often found in adults.
Read more
Several round patches of hair loss on the back of a man's head, typical of alopecia areata

Focal alopecia

it is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. It usually manifests as localized hair loss on the scalp, but it can also occur on other hairy parts of the body.
Read more
Both palms with thickened scaling, redness and pustules, typical of palmoplantar pustulosis

Palmoplantar pustulosis

Palmoplantar pustulosis (lat. pustulosis plantaris et palmaris) is a rare chronic inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects the skin of the palms and soles.
Read more
Swollen, reddened nail fold with a yellowish discolored nail edge on a finger, typical of chronic paronychia.

The most common nail changes

Nail changes are an easily noticeable and quite common problem. Both the changes themselves and the causes that cause them can be very diverse - from mechanical injuries, environmental irritants to systemic diseases.
Read more