Psoriasis is a difficult condition to live with. While at times it may be manageable, other times you may break out to the point where you aren't even comfortable going outdoors in a short sleeved shirt. But with this condition, not only can it affect your skin but it can also affect your nails and joints. Out of all those who have psoriasis approximately 10-55% have some form of nail psoriasis. Nail psoriasis can affect your nail plate, the nail bed (under the nail) or even the nail matrix which is the tissue from which the nail grows.



The fingernails are more affected than the toenails. What you will normally see are one or more of the following:

Nail Pitting: This is the most common form of nail psoriasis. You will see small depressions within your nail as if they've been punched out.

Nail Discoloration: The nail will turn a yellowish or yellowish-pink color. It will look like drops of oil within your nail plate. This is called an 'oil drop'. In the case of it being yellowish-pink it is called a 'salmon patch'.

Nail Crumbling: From a weakened nail matrix, crumbling or even total loss of your nail is possible due to the effects of nail psoriasis.

Nail Separation: What you'll see here is areas where the nail has lifted off of the nail bed. These areas will appear white due to pockets of air forming where the nail has lifted up. This is also known as 'onycholysis' and with it inflammation around the nail usually follows.

Nail psoriasis can be so bad that you won't be able to keep doing your regular daily activities due to the extreme pain caused. It is for this reason that as soon as you notice any symptoms you look into a form of treatment immediately to prevent the condition from worsening. There are many treatment methods available online for your psoriasis which will effectively manage and even clear your condition. Don't wait until too much damage is done before you take action.