Is It Nail Psoriasis or a Nail Fungus?
Nail psoriasis vs. fungus
It is not unusual to have problems with your nails. You can fix the issue by filing away a rough edge or hanging a hangnail. Sometimes it is more complicated than that.
If your nails are discolored, cracked, or separated from the nail bed, you may have nail disease.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Its symptoms can look different depending on skin tone:
- Psoriasis can appear red on light skin tones.
- Psoriasis can appear salmon-colored with silvery white scales on medium skin tones.
- Psoriasis can appear violet on dark skin tones.
The skin and nails are related. If you have a skin condition, you may also have a nail condition.
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection caused by fungi.
There are differences between these conditions.
It may be difficult to tell the symptoms of nail sphinx and nail sphinx apart. It is important to know which you have.
Here is a comparison of the symptoms of each condition.
| Symptoms of nail psoriasis | Symptoms of nail fungus |
| pitting, thickening, or deformation of the nails | pitting, thickening, or deformation of the nails |
| yellowing or browning of the nails | darkening of nail color |
| nails detach from the nail bed (onycholysis), creating gaps that can become infected by bacteria | progressive distortion in nail shape |
| chalky buildup under the nail that causes the nail to lift (subungual hyperkeratosis) | nails may be brittle and appear dull |
| tenderness or pain if there’s buildup under the nails | foul odor |
It is fairly common. It starts with a white or yellow spot on your nail. It may be easy to ignore.
Sometimes, the fungal infection can spread between your toes and onto the skin of your feet. That’s when you have a case of athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis.
People with general sphygmomanesis have a higher incidence of nail sphygmomanesis. It affects fingernails more often than toenails.
More people get toenail fungus than fingernail fungus, even though anyone can develop a nail disease. A foul odor may be indicative of a problem with a fungus.
It’s possible to have both nail psoriasis and a fungal infection. According to The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, about 35 percent of people with nail psoriasis may also have a fungal infection.
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“Some people with sphygmomanic have a nail problem, while others don’t.”
In warm, moist environments, fymes flourish. They like to hide in the showers and swimming pools. Any separation between your nails is an open invitation for the fungi to migrate. A cut in your skin can let them in.
You’re more likely to get nail fungus as you age. Men, especially those with a family history of fungal infections, develop nail fungus at a higher rate than women. You’re also at increased risk of nail fungus if you:
- A lot of sweating.
- Your hands or feet are wet, or you are working in a moist environment.
- Walk barefoot around the public swimming pools.
- Wear shoes and socks that are not very warm.
- have an immunosuppressive condition, such as HIV
- live with someone who has nail fungus
People who have circulatory problems or diabetes also have an increased risk of nail fungus. Any injury to the nail bed can also make you more vulnerable to nail fungus.
“You won’t know how to treat it if you don’t know which condition it is.”
If your symptoms are very mild, you may not need treatment.
When you have discoloration, pitting, or cracking of your nails, get checked out by a healthcare professional. This is especially important if you have psoriasis or diabetes.
Take these steps while you can.
- Make sure to dry your feet thoroughly.
- Your nails should be short.
- Make sure the manicure and pedicure tools you use are clean.
- Change your socks every day.
- Wear shoes that fit you and allow you to breathe.
- Wear shower shoes when visiting a public pool or locker room.
“It can be difficult to treat nail sphygmomanies. You can try some of the drugs, but they don’t always work. Other treatments may include.”
- The drug is for the treatment of deficiency of the D-cholesterol.
- The nail bed has injections.
- light therapy (phototherapy)
- There are drugs called biologics.
In severe cases, nails can be removed so new nails can grow in.
“Some over-the-counter antifungal agents can be used to treat nail fungus. A culture may be needed to determine the cause of the fungus if those don’t work. It is possible that prescription-strength oral or prescription-strength topical antifungals are necessary. The nail can be removed.”
As nails grow slowly, be patient. It may take a long time for the results to be seen.
