Beneath The Nails: A Psoriasis Quiz

Many people with psoriasis experience nail psoriasis. More than just a cosmetic problem, nail psoriasis affects the structure and function of the nail and can cause pain and emotional distress.

Nail psoriasis typically occurs alongside the classic symptoms of psoriasis. If nail psoriasis occurs on its own, it can be difficult to diagnose and may be misdiagnosed as other conditions.

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When psoriasis affects the nails, it can cause changes to the nail matrix (where the new nail is formed), the nail bed (the skin underneath the nail), or the nail plate (what we commonly call the fingernail or toenail).

Let’s test your knowledge of some of the myths and facts about nail psoriasis.

The impact of nail psoriasis

Unlike other symptoms of psoriasis, psoriasis of the nails results in damaged, split, or lifting nails that are on full display every day. Our advocates at PlaquePsoriasis.com can certainly understand.

Jack shares how painful nail psoriasis can be along with the emotional toll that comes with visible symptoms on the nails. Clair explains how nail psoriasis is her hardest symptom to treat and was has brought her some relief. Vicki provides tips for management and keeping nails clean.

Treatment options

Nail changes may occur on the nail plate or in the nail bed. These locations can determine which treatment may be most effective.

Treatment options may include topicals, intralesional steroids (an injection into each affected nail), phototherapy, oral treatments, and biologics. These treatments can help reduce inflammation and slow excess skin cell production. These approaches can also relieve nail thickness by reducing cell buildup under the nails.

The results are in!

Managing nail psoriasis is not easy. A few tips would be to keep nails as short as possible. Loose nails can be injured if they rub against surfaces. It is important to protect your nails from damage because trauma will often trigger or worsen nail psoriasis. With any type of severe psoriasis, talk to your doctor about treatment options, and their impact on daily life.¹

Nail psoriasis may also be an indicator of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). If you notice changes in your nails and suspect it might be nail psoriasis, visit a dermatologist to diagnose nail psoriasis and see a rheumatologist to screen for PsA.

Want to test your psoriasis knowledge further? Check out our other quiz articles!

• Scratching The Scalp: A Psoriasis Quiz
• Scratching Behind The Ears: A Psoriasis Quiz