At Dr. Kim Dermatology, Dr. Kimberly Werner Billet, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Melissa Barrer, PA-C, offer expert care for psoriasis and other clinical skin disorders. They help patients find long-term relief with tailored treatment plans.
What Is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune illness that causes the body to produce skin cells too quickly. This overproduction can lead to scaling, inflammation, and redness. It commonly appears on the skin but can also impact the nails and joints.
Common Nail Psoriasis Symptoms
Nail psoriasis occurs when your immune system targets nail tissues, causing:
- Pitting: Small dents or craters.
- Discoloration: Yellow or brown spots.
- Lifting nails (onycholysis): Nail separates from the bed.
- Changes in thickness: Nails may thicken or become brittle.
Left untreated, it can become painful and affect daily tasks.
How It’s Diagnosed
If you experience nail pain, separation, or unexplained changes, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment decrease the risk of complications and restore nail health.
To diagnose nail psoriasis, Dr. Kim will examine your nails, ask about your symptoms, and may use tools like dermoscopy or a nail biopsy to confirm the condition and rule out other causes like fungal infections. She may also screen for psoriatic arthritis – chronic joint pain, swelling, and stiffness – which often coexists with nail issues.
Effective Solutions
Managing nail psoriasis can be time-consuming, but the right treatment (or combination of treatments) can provide great results. Dr. Kim may recommend:
- Topical medications: Steroid creams or vitamin D analogues applied to the nail and surrounding skin.
- Systemic medications: In some cases, oral drugs or biologics can control inflammation throughout the body.
- Phototherapy: Targeted UV light can slow cell growth and reduce inflammation.
Simple self-care practices can also make a difference:
- Keep nails short and clean.
- Avoid trauma or pressure to the nails.
- Moisturize hands and nails daily.
Take Control of Nail Psoriasis Today
Don’t let nail symptoms go unchecked. Contact Dr. Kim Dermatology in Frisco, TX, today at (469) 922-DERM (3376) to schedule your personalized consultation.
