Having crusty, cracked, and discolored nails indicates an underlying condition. Nail psoriasis and fungal infections can be the culprits. However, they are both easy to mix. Therefore, understanding nail psoriasis vs fungus is crucial.
What Are the Major Differences Between Nail Psoriasis and Fungus?
Nail psoriasis and nail fungus are two different conditions that can change the appearance and health of your nails. They have different causes and symptoms, so knowing the difference is important for getting the right treatment.
- Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the body overproduces skin cells, causing inflammation and changes in the nails. It’s often linked to other types of psoriasis and may increase the risk of psoriatic arthritis.Common signs of nail psoriasis include small dents in the nails, yellow or brown discoloration, and grooves or “oil spots.” The nails may also lift away from the nail bed (called onycholysis), leaving gaps that can get infected. Nail psoriasis usually affects fingernails more than toenails and isn’t contagious, so it can’t spread to others.
- Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that happens when fungi enter the nail bed. It’s often caused by being in warm, damp places like swimming pools or locker rooms, where fungi grow easily.Symptoms of nail fungus include thickened nails, discoloration (yellow, brown, or green), brittleness, and sometimes a bad smell due to the infection. Unlike nail psoriasis, nail fungus is contagious and can spread from person to person or from the skin to the nails.
Treatment Options for Nail Psoriasis Vs Fungus
Treating nail psoriasis and nail fungus requires different approaches because each condition’s causes are different. Following are some suitable treatment options for both:
Treatment for Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is treated by reducing inflammation and managing the immune system. Common treatment options include:
- Topical Treatments: Creams with corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms. These are applied directly to the nails and surrounding skin. Vitamin D-based treatments can also help slow down skin cell growth.
- Systemic Medications: For severe cases, oral medications like methotrexate or acitretin might be needed, or biologic drugs like adalimumab or etanercept that target specific parts of the immune system.
- Phototherapy: Exposing the nails to controlled UV light can help manage symptoms by affecting the immune response.
- Combination Therapy: To achieve better results, a combination of topical and systemic treatments is often used for severe nail changes.
- Nail Care: Keeping nails trimmed and avoiding injury can help control symptoms.
Treatment for Nail Fungus
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is treated with antifungal medications to kill the infection. Some effective nail fungus treatments include:
- Topical Antifungal Treatments: Medicated nail lacquers like ciclopirox and efinaconazole can be applied to the nail. They work well for mild infections but might not reach deep infections.
- Oral Antifungal Medications: Oral medications like terbinafine or itraconazole are common for moderate to severe infections. These work from within the body and may require several weeks to months of use. Liver function tests may be needed to check for side effects.
- Combination Therapy: Using both topical and oral antifungals can be more effective, especially for tough or recurring infections.
- Surgical Options: If other treatments don’t work, the infected nail may be surgically removed so antifungal treatments can be applied directly to the nail bed.
- Laser Therapy: Some clinics offer laser treatments to target the fungus under the nail. This method is still being studied to see if it’s as effective as traditional treatments.
Closing Note
It can be hard to identify nail psoriasis vs fungus. It’s better to allow a trained professional to diagnose the condition and guide you properly regarding the treatment.
Visit our family medicine professional, Dr. Harman Buttar, at Vital Clinic & Spa. Our doctor is trained in treating various nail, skin, and hair conditions effectively. Dial (832) 533-8404 to book an appointment.