Nail PsoriasisCategoriesNail Psoriasis
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Nail Psoriasis?

What is Nail Psoriasis?

Nail psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin cells to reproduce more quickly than usual, which makes the dead skin cells gather under the surface of the nails instead of shedding. This results in inflammation and rashes around the finger and toenails, which is called nail psoriasis. This condition is non-contagious and won’t get transferred from physical contact with the affected person.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Discoloration – The skin underneath the nails will have a change in color that looks like patches of brown, yellow, red, or white.
  • Pitting – The nail may develop a dent, hole, roughness, or pit affected by nail psoriasis. This can be shallow or deep, small or large, and can affect multiple nails on fingers and toes. 
  • Changes in Structure – The nail may crumble and change from its original size due to nail psoriasis. Also, the skin underneath the tip of the nails will develop a cut and will slowly separate from the fingers or toes. 
  • Discomfort – Leaving the nail psoriasis untreated will cause blood leakage under the nails that may result in tenderness, and pain and affect the ability to stand, walk, or use the affected fingers and toes.

Who gets Nail Psoriasis?

  • Research says that people over the age of 40 have a higher chance of getting nail psoriasis compared to younger people. 
  • People with a history of psoriasis in family have high chance of getting nail psoriasis
  • A study says that people with other types of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have a 90% chance of developing nail psoriasis. 
    Globally, 5 – 10% of adults who don’t have any other psoriatic symptoms are affected by nail psoriasis. 

Causes of Nail Psoriasis

The exact cause of nail psoriasis has not been proven yet. However, doctors believe that family history and genetics play a role in the development of this condition. Though there is no proper evidence for its cause, nail psoriasis is often triggered by many factors, such as environmental conditions, stress, infections in nails, and certain medications.

Home Remedies and Prevention

As nail psoriasis is a chronic condition, it won’t go away very easily. Let’s look at some of the home remedies and preventive measures to treat this condition.

Remedies:

  • Aloe Vera – It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help get rid of nail psoriasis symptoms. Apply the aloe vera gel to the affected areas of the nails before bed and rinse thoroughly in the morning.
  • Turmeric – It has great anti-fungal properties that may help treat the symptoms of nail psoriasis. Make a paste by adding water to the turmeric powder and apply it several times a day to get positive results.
  • Coconut oil – It has good moisturizing properties that may relieve excess itching caused by psoriasis. Apply it on a regulyar basis to the affected areas to relieve itching effectively.

Prevention:

  • Wash your hands often with soap or sanitizer to prevent other dirt and bacteria from entering the affected areas.
  • Keep the affected areas moisturized to avoid dryness
  • Keep all the nails trimmed and cut the hangnail caused by psoriasis
  • Make sure your affected areas of nails are kept safe during driving, playing, and other activities.
  • The affected areas will be itchy. But avoid scratching, as it may worsen the condition.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Consult your doctor immediately:

  • If you keep on developing new symptoms of nail psoriasis around the nails of fingers and toes,
  • If your symptoms don’t improve after home remedies and pharmacy products,  
  • If your symptoms are getting worse with irritability, swelling, or bleeding.

Treatments

Firstly, the doctor examines your condition. They’ll also ask about the severity of the symptoms and family history of psoriasis, if any. If the symptoms are mild, doctors may prescribe some medications or oral medicines. But if the symptoms are worse, they may provide treatments in the hospital that include:
  • Removing the Nail – If the whole part of the nail is affected by swelling, doctors may remove the nail using surgery. When it grows back, the nail will still have an unusual appearance
  •  Laser or Light Therapy – Doctors may do Laser or Light therapy to treat the nail psoriasis with worse conditions.
  • Injections – In more severe cases of nail psoriasis, doctors may inject thin needles with medicines directly into the affected areas around the nails.
In this case, xemsis ointment can effectively treat nail psoriasis, providing relief instantly after usage.
Conclusion
Nail psoriasis is a challenging condition that creates discomfort and embarrassment in public. You may also try to hide the symptoms by applying nail polish. But hiding is never a solution. As the condition is chronic, hope and consistency in following the guidance of doctors are important.
Picture of Rakhul Mathivanan
Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Scalp psoriasis and dandruffCategoriesScalp psoriasis vs Dandruff
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Scalp Psoriasis vs Dandruff

Understanding the difference between Scalp Psoriasis and Dandruff

Scalp psoriasis and dandruff are conditions that occur on the scalp and often look similar, creating confusion in many people. Let’s see how Scalp psoriasis differs from dandruff in this blog.  

Scalp Psoriasis

Dandruff
Condition
 Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects a part or entire area on the scalp Dandruff is a common condition that affects the scalp and skin which is not very severe.
Formation
 This forms thick plaques and scales, which cause excess itching on the scalp This forms as a dry or flaky scale on the scalp and will fall out as flakes
Symptoms
 It can affect any area of the scalp and will appear as a thick, reddish patch. The affected areas will be itchy, dry flaky, and even bleed. It may also cause temporary hair loss This causes the affected areas of skin on the scalp to shed a white flake, which usually falls on shoulders and clothes that creates embarrassment in public
Causes
 The exact cause of scalp psoriasis is not known yet. However, researchers believe that it may be caused by genetics and environmental exposure  The exact reasons for dandruff are also not proven by scientists yet. Doctors believe that poor hygiene, improper maintenance of hair, and overproduction of yeast in the scalp will cause dandruff
Contagion
 Psoriasis can’t be spread from the affected person to a healthy person through physical contact Most people consider dandruff to be contagious. But it can’t be transferred person-to-person by physical contact
Home       Remedies
  • Firstly, scalp psoriasis should not be scratched 
  • Aloe vera gel can treat scalp psoriasis effectively
  • Coconut oil can relieve the inflammation caused in the scalp and smooth it
  • Proper hygiene and practice of meditation can help treat any kind of psoriasis
  • Medicated shampoo prescribed in the pharmacy
  • Aloe vera gel can also help treat dandruff.
  • Any kind of infection in the skin or hair can be treated with coconut oil, as it has rich properties for smoothing.
The Chemical Process of Creation
 When a person gets scalp psoriasis, the immune system becomes overactive, making the skin cells grow faster than usual. This results in the accumulation of excess dead skin cells on the surface of the skin rather than shedding. That is when the patches and plaques appear In terms of dandruff, a natural oil called sebum will be released excessively in the scalp. Sometimes a fungus called Malassezia, which is naturally present in everyone’s head, will misprocess and lead to dandruff Malassezia
Triggers
 Scalp psoriasis will get triggered and worsen with factors like external injuries, infections, excess sun exposure, stress, and certain medications Dry skin, sensitivity to certain hair products, improper diet, stress, hormonal changes, and improper maintenance of the hair will trigger the dandruff more.
When should I see a doctor?
 If a person develops excess itching, redness, or inflammation by scalp psoriasis, immediate medical attention is required.  Usually, dandruff can be cured in the home easily and there is no need for consultation with doctors. However, if a person has dandruff that lasts for many days, they can speak to a healthcare professional
Treatment
  • Medicated Shampoos – Shampoos containing Clobetasol propionate are one of the most effective methods to treat scalp psoriasis 
  • Scale Softeners – Ointments, lotions, and creams containing Salicylic Acid are commonly recommended by dermatologists.
  • Laser Treatments – For the worst condition of scalp psoriasis, doctors provide light treatments like Excimer Laser and Phototherapy which are very effective 
 Dandruff is not dangerous and usually won’t need specified treatments. Doctors may recommend anti-dandruff shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, Salicylic acid, and coal tar to reduce the fall of flake from the scalp.

Conclusion

Dandruff is primarily caused by a misprocess that occurs in certain immune systems of the body and can often be managed with over-the-counter shampoos containing antifungal agents. On the other hand, scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells. If you find any of these symptoms of scalp psoriasis, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional doctor and follow their guidance.
Picture of Rakhul Mathivanan
Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

scalp psoriasisCategoriespsoriasis type
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Scalp Psoriasis

What is scalp psoriasis and why does it happen?

Scalp psoriasis is an irritating chronic disease caused by the autoimmune system of the body that penetrates the rapid production of skin cells that settle on the scalp as dandruff-like thick silver patches and spread further to the forehead, back of the head, and skin around the ears. This condition causes dryness, excess itching, burning sensations, and bleeding on the scalp. Though many people keep psoriasis-affected patients away from them, it is not contagious and will not spread from contact with the affected people.

What causes scalp psoriasis?

The exact cause of scalp psoriasis is not proven yet. Research says that it may be caused by improper functioning of the immune system, where normal cells get destroyed rapidly and settle as a patch on the scalp. Though many events trigger the growth of scalp psoriasis, genetics is the main reason why it transfers genetically from family members. 

Other events that trigger psoriasis include:

  • Exposure to the sun
  • Stress
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Some types of infections and allergies
  • Certain medications. 

The symptoms of scalp psoriasis are:

  • Hair loss
  • Whitish scale
  • Dryness
  • Itching
  • Burning sensation 

Does scalp psoriasis cause hair loss?

Hair loss is common in people with scalp psoriasis. However, it is not caused directly by psoriasis, as there will be excessive itching and rubbing of the scalp by the patient, which triggers the scalp and hair. This hair loss is not permanent, and you will get proper growth once psoriasis is cured.

How to treat scalp psoriasis at home

  • Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has excellent hair and skin healing properties. Using aloe vera creams can help with excessive itching and cure the inflammation caused by psoriasis in the scalp. Apply the cream regularly to see positive results.

 

  • Coconut Oil: This thing can never be left out of the list of home remedies for skin and hair. Coconut oil has rich fats that help with any kind of skin and hair problem. The oil is also added to many topical psoriasis treatments, which can help soothe irritation and soften the thick patches.

 

  • Medicated Shampoo: There are many medicated shampoos designed specially to treat scalp psoriasis. It contains many effective ingredients, like coal tar, that help reduce itching and get rid of the whitish scale caused by scalp psoriasis. However, it is recommended to use it as directed on the cover.

 

  • Oatmeal: Oatmeal has great properties to treat dry plaques and soothe irritated skin. Mix oatmeal with water and rinse the head during the bath, ensuring the scalp gets thoroughly soaked. Follow the process regularly for a better result.

 

  • Yogurt: Yoghurt contains probiotics and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help in treating itching and inflammation from scalp psoriasis. Apply plain, unsweetened yogurt to the scalp and rinse it in water after 30 minutes. 

 Results from these home remedies may differ from person to person, and it’s always best to consult a dermatologist and follow their guide.

How to cure scalp psoriasis permanently

Scalp psoriasis can’t be cured immediately and will take its own time. However, consistency in following the dermatologist’s guidance and patience are the keys to permanently overcoming this disrupting condition.

What is the best treatment for psoriasis of the scalp?

 Treatments for Scalp Psoriasis:

  • Phototherapy: This treatment is supervised carefully by dermatologists, who make affected areas of the patients exposed to an ultraviolet laser. This treatment is mostly preferred for scalp psoriasis, with higher success rates.
  • Ointments: Dermatologists prescribe various ointments with effective ingredients of coal tar, salicylic acid, and vitamin C analogs to treat scalp psoriasis.

How Xemsis helps to cure your scalp psoriasis 

 Xemsis: Well researched and formulated with many natural ingredients, Xemsis is a specially designed ointment for all types of psoriasis with rich moisturizing properties and is the leading ointment prescribed by many dermatologists to protect the skin and cure scalp psoriasis.