When psoriasis affects your toenails, there are several treatment options available. It's worth knowing upfront that toenails grow slowly, so patience is key — it can take up to a year to see full improvement once treatment begins.
Here are the main treatment approaches to discuss with your doctor:
- Topical treatments — Show Full Answer
When psoriasis affects your toenails, there are several treatment options available. It's worth knowing upfront that toenails grow slowly, so patience is key — it can take up to a year to see full improvement once treatment begins.
Here are the main treatment approaches to discuss with your doctor:
- Topical treatments — Steroid creams, vitamin D-based ointments, or medicated polishes applied directly to the nails and cuticles
- Systemic medications — Biologics, immunosuppressants, or DMARDs like methotrexate to reduce inflammation from the inside out
- In-office treatments — Laser therapy, steroid injections, or phototherapy performed by your doctor There are also everyday habits that can help protect your toenails:
- Keep nails short and clean to reduce lifting and buildup
- Moisturize regularly — some MyPsoriasisTeam members swear by raw, unscented shea butter
- Wear gloves when cleaning or doing dishes
- Avoid cutting or pushing back cuticles, as this can trigger flares or infection
- Skip artificial nails, as they can worsen nail lifting
Always check in with your dermatologist if symptoms worsen or you notice signs of infection like pain, swelling, or unusual odor.
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