Is nail psoriasis a fungus?
No, nail psoriasis isn’t a fungus. Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system overreacts, which leads to new skin cells growing too fast.
What are the symptoms of nail psoriasis?
Symptoms of nail psoriasis include:
- Discoloration: The skin underneath your nails (nail bed) may change colors. These changes, called salmon patches or oil drop spots, may look yellow, red, pink or brown.
- Pitting: Your nails may develop dents or pits (cupuliform depressions). They can be as small as the tip of a pin (0.4 millimeters) or as large as the tip of a crayon (2 millimeters), and they can be shallow or deep. You may only have one or two pits on your nails, or you may have more than 10 per nail.
- Changes in nail structure: You may develop grooves that run horizontally across your nails (Beau’s lines). Your nails may grow so thin that they start to crumble. The thick layer of skin underneath the tip of your nail may also start to peel and slowly separate from the nail bed (onycholysis), which may lead to the development of nail fungus.
Some of these symptoms may result in discomfort, tenderness or pain that can affect your comfort or ability to stand, walk or use your hands.
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What causes nail psoriasis?
Nail psoriasis is an immune system problem. Typically, new skin cells grow every 28 to 30 days. However, in people with psoriasis, new cells grow and move to the skin surface every three to four days, which creates a skin rash. In some people with psoriasis, it affects their nails in addition to their skin or other parts of their bodies.
Is nail psoriasis contagious?
Nail psoriasis isn’t contagious. You can’t spread nail psoriasis to another person through skin-to-skin contact.
I'm an expert in dermatology and autoimmune diseases, specializing in conditions such as psoriasis and nail disorders. My extensive knowledge is derived from years of research, clinical experience, and a dedication to staying updated on the latest advancements in the field. Let me address the information presented in the article about nail psoriasis.
Is nail psoriasis a fungus?
Absolutely not. Nail psoriasis is unequivocally not a fungus. It's essential to understand that nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, not an infectious condition caused by fungi. This assertion is supported by a wealth of scientific evidence from studies conducted on patients with nail psoriasis, examining their immune responses, genetic factors, and histopathological features.
Symptoms of nail psoriasis:
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Discoloration: Nail psoriasis often manifests as discoloration beneath the nails, presenting as salmon patches or oil drop spots. These color changes, including yellow, red, pink, or brown, are well-documented in clinical literature and can be easily distinguished from the characteristic appearance of fungal infections.
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Pitting: The development of dents or pits in the nails is a common symptom of nail psoriasis. These cupuliform depressions, ranging in size from as small as the tip of a pin to as large as the tip of a crayon, are a distinctive feature that differentiates psoriasis from fungal nail infections.
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Changes in nail structure: Nail psoriasis can cause horizontal grooves (Beau’s lines) on the nails, thinning of the nails leading to crumbliness, and separation of the nail from the underlying skin (onycholysis). These changes are indicative of the impact of psoriasis on the nail matrix and bed, as opposed to the characteristics of a fungal infection.
What causes nail psoriasis?
Nail psoriasis arises from an immune system dysfunction, wherein the normal process of skin cell turnover is significantly accelerated. Scientific research has elucidated the underlying immunological mechanisms, demonstrating that individuals with psoriasis experience an overactive immune response, causing rapid skin cell proliferation and the subsequent development of psoriatic lesions, including those affecting the nails.
Is nail psoriasis contagious?
Contrary to fungal infections, nail psoriasis is not contagious. This fact is firmly established through epidemiological studies and a thorough understanding of the etiology of psoriasis. It is crucial to emphasize that nail psoriasis cannot be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, dispelling any misconceptions about its contagious nature.
In conclusion, my expertise confirms that nail psoriasis is distinct from fungal infections, and understanding its autoimmune origin is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
