Management of psoriatic nail disease

Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009 Mar;28(1):39-43. doi: 10.1016/j.sder.2008.12.003.

Abstract

Nail involvement is common at some point in the life of the patient with psoriasis. Simple hand care, keeping nails cut short and avoiding nail trauma, will all help in management. Medical interventions include topical therapies used for psoriasis at other body sites, directed at the location of the disease within the nail unit. Individual digits may require focused intensive treatment, such as steroid injections. Systemic therapy for psoriatic nail disease can be justified when the disease presents in tandem with severe skin disease or where function and quality of life are sufficiently diminished by nail involvement. Biological therapy usually is indicated for widespread psoriasis, but studies show that therapy directed at nail symptoms can be effective in the treatment of coincident nail disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Injections
  • Nail Diseases / etiology*
  • Nail Diseases / pathology
  • Nail Diseases / therapy*
  • Psoriasis / complications*
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Radiotherapy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Steroids / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Steroids