Nails and Psoriasis

Psoriasis can damage your nails as well as your skin. Members of MyPsoriasisTeam frequently report splintering, pitting, spotting, thickening - even nails that fall off completely. “My fingernails and toenails look a hot mess,” laments one member. Deformed nails are hard to care for and can sometimes be embarrassing. An employer told one member’s son that his nails reflected “poor hygiene.” Being part of a supportive community can help you navigate nail problems and other challenges of living with psoriasis. Says one grateful member, “I’m trying not to let it get the best of me, learning a lot from the group, and glad I joined.”

On MyPsoriasisTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Nails are one of the most-discussed subjects.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about nails:

• I have had psoriasis on my feet for about a year now and my toenails have become really thick and close to my toes, I can no longer cut them with clippers. Any tips to help? Has this happened to anyone else?

• Does anyone have bad psoriatic nails and go to a nail salon? If so, how did you find one that wouldn't freak out when they looked at the nails?

• I have had plaque psoriasis for years. Now it looks like I am getting some under my nails. Any tips or what other people use to help it?

Here are some conversations about nails:

• My rheumatologist changed my diagnosis from RA to PsA recently. Lately, I've noticed a couple of pits in my nails. Also, I've had a view bumps on my forearm that look like zits. Do any of you have pustular psoriasis?

• My new treatment going well, haven't been this clear in many years. Finger and toenails all showing signs of improvement.

• To be honest I am so over psoriasis in my nails. I hate how if I knock my fingers the nails either break or lift from the nail bed.

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MyPsoriasisTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.