Imagine a great mani-pedi session leaving your hands and feet feeling soft and clean. Sounds great right? But wait? Are you seeing some unusual changes on your nails? Discoloration? An unseen spot? Cracking? Your nails might be trying to tell something.
Our nails are made up of keratin-the same protein that makes up your skin and hair. There are times when the keratin structure is altered, damaged, or taken over by fungal infections.
It is not uncommon to have trouble with your nails. However, sometimes it can get complex if not treated timely. You may be suffering from nail fungus or nail psoriasis.
Nail fungus or Onychomycosis is an infection caused by fungus growing in your nails. It is a contagious disease that begins as a white or yellow spot on your nails. The fungus can spread rapidly infecting your entire nail. It may even turn brown or black if left untreated.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease. People suffering from this disease have red, scaly patches on their skin. Psoriasis is a genetic autoimmune disease that spreads to your chest, trunk, fingernails, and toenails. Fingernail and toenail psoriasis is caused due to psoriasis.
Toenails and fingernails are susceptible to both of these nail infections. If you notice any of the below-mentioned symptoms, you must seek help from your dermatologist immediately.
There are high chances that people may get confused in differentiating between nail fungus and nail psoriasis. Few common symptoms can make diagnosis complex. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences to diagnose the disease correctly and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Difference between Nail Psoriasis and Nail Fungus | Symptoms
There are high chances of getting confused between nail psoriasis and nail fungus. They have many similarities. Hence, it becomes important to tell them apart for correct diagnosis and treatment.
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Symptoms of Nail Fungus |
Symptoms of Nail Psoriasis |
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Deformation and thickening of nails |
Pitting, deformation and thickening if nails |
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Darkening of the nails |
Small red or white spots appear on the nail bed |
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Nail shape can get distorted |
Nails turn yellow or brown in color |
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Brittle and dull nails |
Debris build up underneath lifting the nail from its bed |
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Foul-smelling |
Nails detaches from the bed and creates empty spaces in between |
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Discharge may be present in some cases |
It can be painful |
Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a systemic (body-wide) skin disease affecting many parts of the body. It is a chronic inflammatory disease, and may also cause back and joint pain. A person suffering from the disease may have psoriasis fingernails and psoriasis toenails. Psoriasis fingernails are more common than toenail psoriasis. Red, scaly patches of skin can be visible on the chest, arms, legs, and trunk as well.
Research states that nearly 125 million people are suffering from psoriasis globally. A permanent cure of the disease is not found yet, however, it can be managed with proper guidance. The disease has a significant impact on one’s mental well-being and quality of life.
There is no such thing as a friendly fungus
Except for the mushrooms on your pizzas, finger fungus is rarely appreciated. You certainly don’t want it to grow anywhere on your body.
Onychomycosis is a contagious fungal infection, causing thickening and discoloration of the nail plate. It is the most common type of nail infection, affecting 10% of the world population. Nail fungus affects toenails more than fingernails.
As it is highly contagious, one can contract the disease from an infected person or because of poor hygiene. Fungus thrives in damp or sweaty areas of the body. Athletes and people working in damp places barefoot are highly susceptible to nail fungus.
People with existing ailments such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS have more chances of contracting nail fungus. Hence it is also possible that nail fungus can indicate an underlying ailment in a person.
Can a patient have both Nail psoriasis and Nail fungus?
Yes, a person can be infected with both nail psoriasis and nail fungus. People with psoriasis can develop a secondary fungal infection. Although, people with nail fungus might not necessarily suffer from nail psoriasis.
Increased chances of Athlete's foot
If the nail fungus spreads to the skin on your feet it is called Athlete's foot. Symptoms include itchy and dry skin between the toes or on your soles, cracking, and peeling of the skin.
People suffering from athletes’ feet have high chances of developing nail fungus. As the name suggests, athletes are at high risk of contracting the disease. However, it can infect anyone if preventive measures are not taken timely.
