Nail psoriasis vs. fungus
It’s not unusual to have problems with your nails. Most of the time, you can fix the issue by filing away a rough edge or clipping a hangnail. But sometimes it’s more complicated than that.
If your fingernails or toenails are discolored, cracking, or separating from the nail bed, you may have nail psoriasis or nail fungus.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Its symptoms can look different depending on skin tone:
- On light skin tones, psoriasis can appear red with scaly patches on the skin.
- On medium skin tones, psoriasis can appear salmon-colored with silvery white scales.
- On dark skin tones, psoriasis lesions can appear violet with gray scales.
Nails and skin are closely related. If you have psoriasis of the skin, you may also develop psoriasis of the nails.
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection caused by fungi.
Although these conditions may look the same, there are a variety of differences between them.
The symptoms of nail psoriasis and nail fungus are quite similar, and it may be difficult to tell them apart. It’s important to know which you have so you can treat it properly.
Here’s 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 |
Nail fungus is fairly common. It usually starts with a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. At first, 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.
Nail psoriasis almost always occurs in people who have general psoriasis. It tends to affect fingernails more often than toenails.
Anyone can develop a fungal infection of the nail, but more people get toenail fungus than fingernail fungus. A foul odor may indicate you’re dealing 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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It’s unclear why some people with psoriasis have a nail problem while others don’t.
Fungi are tiny organisms that flourish in warm, moist environments. Showers and swimming pools are among their favorite hiding places. Any separation between your nail and nail bed is an open invitation for fungi to migrate. Even a microscopic 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:
- sweat a lot
- work in a moist environment, or your hands or feet are often wet
- walk barefoot around public swimming pools, gyms, and showers
- wear socks and shoes with poor ventilation
- 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.
Unless you’re certain which condition you’re dealing with, you won’t know how to treat it effectively.
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.
In the meantime, take these steps:
- Keep your feet clean and make sure to dry them thoroughly.
- Keep your nails short.
- Make sure any manicure and pedicure tools you use are clean and disinfected.
- Change your socks twice a day.
- Wear shoes that fit properly and allow your feet to breathe.
- When visiting a public pool or locker room, wear shower shoes whenever possible.
Nail psoriasis can be hard to treat. You can try topical medications, but they don’t always work. Other treatments may include:
- vitamin D ointment
- corticosteroid injections to the nail bed
- light therapy (phototherapy)
- biologics
In severe cases, nails can be surgically removed so new nails can grow in.
Over-the-counter antifungal agents may treat some cases of nail fungus. If those don’t work, a doctor may want to do a culture to determine the cause of the fungus. Prescription-strength topical or oral antifungals may be necessary. Parts of the diseased nail can be removed, too.
Be patient, as nails grow slowly. It may take a long time to see the results of treatment.