Did you know that psoriasis can also affect your nails? As an autoimmune disease that causes the rapid overgrowth of skin cells, nail psoriasis can resemble nail fungus. This makes it difficult for people to tell them apart and get proper treatment.
Understanding the difference between nail psoriasis vs. fungus is highly important. It can help symptoms from worsening or infection from spreading. Read on to learn how to tell nail psoriasis vs. fungus apart.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common skin condition. In fact, it affects nearly 7.4 million people in the United States alone. Characterized by an overactive immune system, psoriasis causes cells to reproduce every 3-4 days instead of every month. These extra skin cells form scaly red or silvery-white patches or sores as they build up on the skin. It usually affects the chest, arms, and legs, in addition to the nails.
What is Nail Psoriasis?
As you can imagine, nail psoriasis affects the fingernails and toenails. If you see visual changes to your nails (discoloration or cracking) or notice that your nails are loosened from the nail bed, it could be nail psoriasis. Nail pitting in psoriasis is identified by a pattern of yellowing nails with pits. These pits continue to get deeper, until they may even form holes.
Do not ignore the symptoms. If left untreated, the nail could fall apart entirely.
Understanding Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection caused by fungi. Also a fairly common condition, it usually begins with a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. While it might be easy to ignore, the fungal infection can spread between your toes and even onto the skin of your feet. This can lead to athlete’s foot.
While nail psoriasis typically affects those who already have general psoriasis, anyone can develop nail fungus. The fungus more commonly affects toenails than fingernails. If you notice a foul smell, it could mean that you’re dealing with a fungus.
Nail Psoriasis vs. Fungus Symptoms
While symptoms of these conditions are quite similar, there are a few key differences between them.
Nail Psoriasis Symptoms
- Nail pitting, thickening, or deformation
- Yellowing or browning of the nails
- Tenderness or pain if there is buildup under the nails
- Nail detachment from the nail bed
Nail Fungus Symptoms
- Foul odor
- Darkening of color
- Dull or brittle appearance
- Progressive distortion in shape
Key Difference: Nail Psoriasis vs. Fungus
Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, the main difference is that fungal infections are contagious and psoriasis is not. This makes telling the conditions apart incredibly important, in order to stop the spread. In addition, you’re more likely to get nail fungus if you sweat a lot or walk barefoot around public swimming pools, gyms, and showers.
Natural Treatment Options
To treat nail psoriasis or fungus, we highly recommend these Remedywear™ Gloves for adults and kids. Featuring breathable, moisture-wicking fabric, they’re comfortable to wear all day or night without any sweaty irritation or chafing. The soft, eco-friendly TENCEL and zinc-embedded fibers help inhibit bacterial growth while also offering soothing relief for itchy or cracked skin.
If you suffer from fungus or psoriasis on your toenails, check out these Remedywear™ socks for adults and kids. Made with comfortable stretchy TENCEL, their ultra-soft material truly fits like a second skin. Wear them to find relief from itchiness or any rubbing against sensitive skin.
To enhance the effectiveness of both gloves and sock, we suggest combining treatment with this soothing Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. Made with just 6 ingredients – including beeswax and Manuka Honey – it hydrates the driest of skin without any burning or stinging. Enjoy the soft, buttery texture and sweet, honey smell!
Last but not least, we recommend keeping your nail trimmed short to help them stay clean. Short nails will also stop them from catching on to anything and breaking.
If you suspect that you or your loved ones have nail psoriasis or nail fungus, please see your doctor or medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis.
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