Most people are familiar with the common skin condition psoriasis, but did you know that this condition can also affect your nails?
Nail psoriasis is a relatively common nail disorder that can cause your nails to become thickened, ridged, discolored, and even crumbly. While it may be tempting to self-diagnose and treat your nail psoriasis at home, it’s important to visit a doctor or dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as nail fungus. So, how can you tell the difference between nail psoriasis and fungus? Keep reading to find out.
Nail Psoriasis Symptoms
Nail psoriasis is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
Thickened nails: Nails affected by psoriasis may become thick and overgrown. They may also develop pitted depressions or ridges. In severe cases, the entire nail plate may detach from the underlying skin (onycholysis).
Brittle or crumbly nails: Psoriasis can cause nails to become so brittle that they crumble or break easily.
Discolored nails: The nails may turn yellow, white, brown, or greenish-black. In some cases, the nails may also take on a reddish-brown hue.
Salmon patches: One common symptom of psoriasis in the nails are red-pinkish patches called “Salmon patches”. These come with the phenomenon called an oil drop.
Nails separating from the bed: This is a condition called onycholysis and is often accompanied by yellowish discoloration of the nail bed.
Swollen and painful cuticles: The skin around the nails (cuticles) may become swollen and painful.
Nail pitting: Small depressions may form on the surface of the nails. In severe cases, pitting can cause partial or complete loss of the nail.
Small blood vessels in the nail bed may rupture, causing tiny red or black streaks (known as splinter hemorrhages) to appear under the nails.
To remember what to watch out for in the above symptoms, use the acronym NAIL POLISH (POLISH being the letters we are using).
P-Pitting is irregular.
O-Onycholysis: where the nailbed is separating from the nail, causing more white beyond the natural white of the nail to be exposed.
L-Leukonychia, which are white marks on the nails, which are usually not alarming in themselves. They are often caused by an injury to the nail, but they can also be a sign of systemic disorders or congenital conditions.
ISH-Irregular Subuirgual Hyperkeratosis occurs when a chalky mark or substance builds up under the nails. It may be tender to the touch and may cause the nail to be raised.
In his 2 minute video here, Dr. Manish Soni demonstrates and explains the nail polish acronym as a good way to remember the main symptoms of nail psoriasis, and he gives other helpful information like the differences in nail bed and nail matrix psoriasis symptoms.
What are some natural solutions to help treat nail psoriasis?
Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree oil is a natural product that has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions. It is extracted from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and has many benefits for treating nail psoriasis.
One study showed that tea tree oil was effective in reducing inflammation and preventing nail dystrophy. Tea tree oil also had anti-bacterial properties, which contributed to its ability to treat nail psoriasis. The most popular way to use tea tree oil for treating nail psoriasis is to apply it directly onto the nails or add it to your favorite moisturizer or treatment cream.
Be sure to select an organic and pure tea tree oil like this one:
Eve Hansen Organic Tea Tree Oil (4oz)
Why we love Eve Hansen Tea Tree Oil:
- Highest quality and purity
- Organic
- Excellent for nail health and psoriasis symptoms
- Great for hair conditions like controlling dandruff, skin and nails
- Made in the USA
- Highly rated on Amazon
These products have natural and homeopathic ingredients that have been used for centuries to treat all sorts of skin and nail conditions like psoriasis with great success.
1. Psoriasis Nail Oil Care from Indigo Natural Herbs
Why we love Indigo Psoriasis Nail Oil Treatment:
- 100% potent natural ingredients
- Relieves discomfort caused by chapping, cracking, roughness, redness, dryness caused by psoriasis.
- Can be used on the skin and nails
- Effective against fungus as well
- 15 mL
- Strengthens nails
- Highly rated on Amazon
2. Forces of Nature -Natural, Organic Psoriasis Relief (11ml) Non GMO
Why we love Forces Of Nature Psoriasis Control:
- Quick relief from discomfort
- 100% natural
- No steroids
- No side effects
- Deeply penetrates
- Organic
- Highly rated on Amazon
Fungal Nail Infection Symptoms
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that enter through small cuts in the skin around the fingernails or toenails. These infections are usually not painful at first but can become quite uncomfortable as they progress. Fungal nail infections are characterized by one or more of these symptoms:
A change in color: the infected nails may turn yellow, brown, greenish-black, white, or dull gray. They may also become thicker than usual or begin to crumble at the edges.
Brittle nails: As the infection worsens, the nails may become brittle and more easily broken.
As fungi grow under your nails, they will release waste products that can accumulate under your nail bed and create a debris build-up.
Discomfort when wearing shoes: As fungus thickens your toenails, it can cause discomfort when wearing shoes due to increased pressure on your toes.
Toenail loss: In advanced cases of fungal infection, parts of your toenails may begin to lift away from your nail bed (onycholysis) and eventually fall off completely.
How can nail fungus be treated naturally without harsh chemicals?
We found these proven, highly rated natural solutions for nail fungus that many have found relief using:
Nature Nation Toenail Fungus Treatment Extra Strength
Why we love Nature Nation Nail Fungus Treatment:
- Powerful and safe formula
- Loosens the damaged layer to reveal the healthier nail underneath
- Reduces discoloration and thickness
- Strengthens nails
- Liquid is yellow, like iodine, and you may see a slight yellow color, but be assured that the yellow will fade away gradually as the fungus is removed.
- Treatment will eliminate discoloration as nails grow in healthier and stronger
- Trusted by and sold in physicians’ offices
3. Belleka Nail Fungus Treatment, Toe nail fungus treatment
Why we love Belleka Nail Fungus Treatment:
- Repairs and renews damaged nails as they tackles the healing of the fungus
- Maximum strength formula, a little goes a long way
- No harmful chemicals
- Natural ingredients
- Goes on clear
- You will see visible results even after 1 week until grow out.
Concluding Thoughts
If you’re experiencing changes in your fingernails or toenails—such as thickening, discoloration, Brittleness—it’s important to see a doctor so they can rule out other potential causes of these symptoms, such as nail psoriasis or fungus.
Only a trained medical professional will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis so you can get started on treatment right away, though using natural solutions in the meantime to help with the discomfort and start the healing process is a good idea.
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