Psoriasis of the Nail

[KyleReese]

Nails are often affected, I've noticed that during my fresh skin flarings my nails become spoiled too - they are pitted (like a thimble) and sometimes yellow, oily-like oval specks appear under the nail plates. These lesions sometimes lead to a little separation of the nail plate layers, the plate is raised in those places and the nailbed is slightly painful. A little you can do with it. Now I have some pittings on 1 nail (I am in the remission of my P already) and it doesn't bother me. In the past I used to have some serious nail damages and I was so frustrated with that issue, I was constrained to cut the plates very frequent and sometimes even file their surface.
Nail's pittings you can consider as a early and very sensitive indicator of your already going systemic flare up

[Grumpy]

Rinbag, I would reiterate what Daryl said. Don't worry yourself silly! Extreme cases, i.e. losing your nails, are quite rare, and once your systemic treatment starts working, your nails will soon begin to repair themselves. 

Another thing, try to avoid actions that pull on or put pressure on your nails. Scratching (although sometimes unavoidable) will pull at the nails. Another reason to keep them short.

Good point about the fake nails, Daryl! Pity us men can't use them! 

[rinbag]

I used to have false nails, but surely if my nails become loose etc, then they wouldn't have anything stable to attach to?

Hmmm. Something to think about.

[marion.d]

so pleased this thread was started, i think i am getting it under nails.. will find out more on 18th when i see dermo. i got no pits in nails that i can see, but i am getting flakes coming out of where the nail grows from, and the bottom of nail is turning white.. to me they just dont look like they usually do, but they dont look anything like my mams nails who does have p under nails

marion

[terri24]

Nail psoriasis has been the latest development of my P so far. My nails are not so much painful, but they are pitted and they tend to crumble if left to grow too long. I have had one that began to lift from the nail bed, but I cut it right back and it has grown out again. The doctor told me there was nothing they could do unless I had a fungal infection in which case they would treat that.

I am yet to be referred to a derm so I am hoping that when I can get access to a wider range of treatments they might improve! Just another downside of this horrible condition I guess!

Ooo one last thing - I have found that artificial nails tend to have a negative effect. This is because the glue tends to damage the surface of my nails even more, especially if one of the nails get pulled off some how. I have also tried a nail polish called Shellac which lasts for up to 2 weeks without chipping. This is good but again when it comes off (I tend to pick at it once it has chipped) it damages the surface even more. From my experience I would avoid these if possible!

[rinbag]

Thanks for all your input guys. Yeah you're right Grumpy - I shouldn't sit here worrying about it. I just put a coat of bright pink nail varnish on so I don't have to look/think about it. My nails have always been bumpy and pitted, but it's never really bothered me too much. This however is a lot more noticeable. I'm sure it'll be okay though. I'm a tough cookie ^_^