Nail Psoriasis

Many people who have psoriasis also experience changes in their fingernails or toenails. There are several treatments that can help. Nail psoriasis is the term for the changes in your fingernails and toenails that occur as a result of having psoriasis. It is generally believed that up to half of all people who have psoriasis will have nail psoriasis as well. While it's not a life-threatening condition, nail psoriasis can affect your quality of life, since it may cause you discomfort and affect your self-esteem, and it may also put you at greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Nail psoriasis can be helped with treatment.

How Psoriasis affects the Nails
Nail psoriasis occurs because psoriasis affects the process of nail formation. People who have nail psoriasis usually have psoriasis on other parts of their body, such as the skin and joints. Rarely does someone have only psoriasis of the nails.

Symptoms of nail psoriasis vary but may include:
· Discoloration of the nail to yellow brown
· Pitting (holes) in the surface of the nails
· Horizontal lines across the nails
· White patches on the nails
· Thickening of the nails
· Nails that separate from the nail bed

In addition to treatment for nail psoriasis, there are other ways to take care of your nails:

· Keep your nails trimmed as short as possible.
· Wear gloves when you're working with your hands.
· Wear shoes with plenty of room in them.
· Avoid scrubbing or scraping underneath your nails.
· Use gentle nail cleaning tools.
· Soak your nails in tar bath oil mixed with water, then apply nail moisturizer.
· If your nails are intact, consider using a nail hardener to improve their appearance.
· Taking good care of your nails can minimize the effects of psoriasis associated nail changes.

For appointments call 9004839333. Clinics at Malad, Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.