Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes discoloration, pitting and changes in the structure of your nails. Triggers include infections, stress and cold. Nail psoriasis isn't contagious and it can be misdiagnosed as fungal infection (onychomycosis).

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Nail psoriasis affects 90% of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis at some time in their life. Both fingernails and toenails can be affected by nail psoriasis and it can involve the nail bed, nail matrix, hyponychium and nail folds. Nail psoriasis may be an indicator of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), if you have the symptoms it is advised to see a rheumatologist to screen for PsA.

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Common signs include:

• Tiny dents in your nails (called “nail pits”)

• White, yellow, or brown discoloration

• Crumbling nails

• Nail(s) separating from nail bed (onycholysis)

• Buildup beneath your nail

• Blood under your nail (splinter hemorrages)

• Beau`s lines

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To improve and prevent nail psoriasis flares:

• Keep your nails short to avoid injury or lifting of the nail from its bed. Trimming your nails regularly will also help prevent buildup from collecting underneath them.

• Avoid biting or picking at your nails. Do not clean debris from beneath the nail with a sharp object. If you need to clean your nails use a gentle brush.

• Wear gloves when gardening, washing dishes, or doing any kind of work in water.

• Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent infection.

• Use a moisturizing cream or oil on your nails and cuticles. This can help prevent cracked or brittle nails.

• Avoid long or fake nails, which increase the risk of your nail separating from its bed.

• Use file to shorten your nails instead of clipping them to avoid the microdamage caused by pressure. 

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We can help to clean the affected nails and to moderate the impact or appearance of the nails. Please book a consultation with our specialist and be advised on how we can help .