fingernail psoriasis

[dunnefinn]

Hi, I have psoriasis in my fingernails and toenails and have been told by doctors that there is no treatment. That's a bit irish for me even though regular creams don't work.....can anyone out there help me out.....Paul...Dublin...Ireland..thanks

[chaimFL]

I used to treat the p on my nail, but I no longer do because I don't feel that they are that bad to bother with. I used to use a steriod in solution form (liquid) and aply a drop at the base of my nails. I did it once a day and as the nail grew out it returned to normal nail, but once I stopped the nails became pitted again so I don't bother anymore.

[Wemminger]

Nails are one of the most difficult and stubborn places to treat psoriasis.

Treat the nails gently and wear gloves to protect them when working with your hands. Injury to the nails or exposing them to irritating chemicals (antibiotic dish soaps, bleaches, etc...) can make it worse.

If the nails are seperating from the finger, trim them back to the point where the nail is firmly attached. This prevents pressure from being applied to the loose ends.

Soak the nails in tar bath oil or moisturizers to soften them, making them easier to file and trim.

Psoriasis regardless of location is often treated in similar ways. Usually they start off with a topical that they frequently combine with a streoidal cream (but not always). When that doesn't work, they tend to move towards UVB therapy or systemic medications (like oral retinoids or methotrexate). Afterwards, some doctors may move upto Biologicals (like Enbrel or Amevive).

Because of this I would get a second opinion if your doctor says nothing else will work. Just be aware that the stronger the medication, the stronger the side effects.

Also the Psoriasis Foundation has a handout called "Nail Psoriasis" which is where I got most of this information.

Hope this helps!

But no matter what, never give up or psoriasis will force us into submission.

[PJ Leary]

Hi,

It is also possible to get steroid injections directly into the nail bed.

I've never tried it.

You might want to get a new derm.

[MikeK]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the Board! You've come to the right place. A lot of very nice and helpful people post here. I'm sorry that you're going through such a rough time.

Normally, I would agree with PJ's suggestion that you find another Derm. Unfortunately, I notice that you live in Ireland. Another poster, Southpaw Grammer, also lives in Dublin and has to travel all the to Belfast, Northern Island to see on of the few derms who practice there. (I just looked it up, that's approximately 104 miles or approximately 167 kilometers. That's almost like traveling between New York and Philadelphia! Only is this case, she had to travel to another country!) She also has trouble getting meds. I suspect that you have similar problems. (Sigh!)

I also have nail psoriasis. Both my toe nails and my finger nails are in very bad shape.

As others have already said, injecting steriods into the nail beds is one option. Unfortunately, according to my derm that's very painful and of limited effectiveness.

The subject of nail p came up during the question and answer session during the June 2003 NPF Community Education meeting in New York. The derm who answered the question said that she was pleased with the results that some of her patients had seen by applying Tazorac to their p affected nails. She said that it was a slow process, because it took some time for the diseased nail to grow out. Here's a link to some information about Tazorac. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/r.../taz1429.shtml. I was also able to obtain some information about it, by using the drop-down menu on the USA portion of the manufacture's website: www.allergan.com. The UK portion of the side didn't have any information about it. You might want to send them an e-mail to see if it's available to you.

Good luck. Hope this helps. Keep us posted and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[oakrai42]

I've heard that soaking your fingernails in apple cider vinegar can help tremendously. I haven't tried it 'cause currently this is the first time that my nails have gotten bad, but since I'm on cyclosporine, I'm sure that'll take care of it.

I think if you soak them everyday (for how long I don't know) it may do the trick. The biggest downer with nails is that they grow so slow, you won't notice a difference for a long time 'cause they have to grow in.

Hope this helps.

-Steve

[tvcats]

Actually the nail p is probably the most troublesome for me personally. All 19 of my nails are effected (I've already lost one toenail because of it -- had it removed). I expect to lose another toenail sometime before the year is over because it is so painful that it is difficult to wear shoes. The fingernails are mainly just unsightly and embarassing. However, I am going to use some of your recommendations.
Are some of the soaking solutions OTC or prescription?

[Viv]

See my post on PulseStar laser tx. Although this tx didn't really the p on my palm, it cleared up my nail psoriasis for approximately 4 mo.