Psoriasis Nails

Psoriasis Nails is a common ailment that plagues numerous Americans.  In the United States, 2%-3% of Americans suffer from Psoriasis.  The most common form is Psoriasis Nails.  Fortunately Psoriasis Nails is not contagious, unfortunately there is little known as what causes the disease.  Psoriasis Nails is a disease that can be inherited from previous generations.  The percentage of Psoriasis Nails developing increases if both parents have it.  Generally, those who have Psoriasis of the nails also have psoriasis of the skin, which makes it easier for doctors to diagnose.  Many symptoms can indicate whether a person has Psoriasis Nails.

Psoriasis Nails is a disease with visible symptoms.  Here are the visible symptoms of Psoriasis Nails:

• Clear yellow and red coloring of the nail
• Small pits in the nail
• Side to side lines across the nail
• White areas showing on the nail
• Skin under the nail will become thick
• Releasing or peeling of the nail
• Miniscule black streaks in the nail in tip-to-cuticle direction
• Redness of the whitish rounded area at the base of the nail
• Arthritis that develops in fingers along with nail alterations

Psoriasis nails can also occur in conjunction with fungal infections of the nail.  As evidenced Psoriasis Nails is nothing to take lightly.  While there is not a lot of pain associated with the disease, it can lead to functional as well as possible social problems.  The good part is that there are varieties of treatment options available to those who suffer from psoriasis nails.

There are several treatment options available.  The best is option is always going to be to seek treatment from a medical professional.  A doctor may recommend a steroid or topical cream, or possibly even an anti-fungal solution.  Another form of treatment a doctor may recommend is PUVA (a combination of the prescription medicine, Psoralen, and exposure to ultraviolet light), or possibly even applying or injecting steroids to the nail.  The last possible treatment option for Nail Psoriasis that a doctor might consider is surgery.  The doctor will remove the nail itself in order to stop nail psoriasis from getting worse.  This is normally a final effort on the part of the doctor when all other forms of treatments are exhausted.  For those who either lack the desire or funds to seek out a health care professional there is the option of caring for psoriasis nails at home.  The at home procedure involves trimming the nail back to the skin to allow medicines to work faster.  There are many medicines offered over the counter that can treat Psoriasis Nails in a more cost-effective manner than what a pharmacist has behind the counter.

Lastly, one of the best forms of treatment can come from a support group.  Support groups can educate as well as encourage those suffering from psoriasis nails.  While there is not a cure for Psoriasis Nails, there is hope.  Many of the treatments listed above can help reduce symptoms.  All it takes is research.