This article explains nail psoriasis vs fungus, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, management & best homeopathic medicines for complete cure.
Nail problems are not very uncommon. Most of the time clipping the hangnails or filling the rough edges may solve the problem.
Sometimes the nail issues can become complicated.
For example, if the fingernails are discoloured, cracked or separated from the nailbed, it can indicate the development of nail psoriasis or nail fungus.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Its symptoms might look different based on skin tone.
Psoriasis lesions on a lighter skin tone appear red with scaly patches distribution.
Psoriasis lesions on medium skin tone appear salmon coloured with silvery-white scales.
Psoriasis lesions on darker skin tones appear violet greyish scales.
As the nails and skin lie near, if a person is suffering from skin psoriasis, he may also develop nail psoriasis.
Nail fungus is also known as onychomycosis. It is a nail infection caused by fungi.
Both nail psoriasis and nail fungus appear similar but there are differences in the symptoms.
Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus Types
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that involves the skin and nails.
Nail fungus can be of different types. Let’s take a look at the types of nail fungus or onychomycosis.
Distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis:
This is the most common type of nail fungus. It is caused by a fungus known as dermatophyte.
It can affect the fingernails and toenails. It starts underneath the nailbed.
A yellow area spreads from the corners to the centre of the affected.
White superficial onychomycosis:
It is a less common type of nail fungus. It only affects the toenails.
The infection starts by causing a white powder-like substance under the nail that leads to nail breakage.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis:
A white spot appears at the centre of the nailbed at the cuticle. The spot moves outwards as the finger or toenails grows.
This type of nail fungus occurs in immunocompromised individuals such as patients suffering from HIV AIDS.
Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus Causes
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body’s natural defence cannot differentiate between the harmful cells and its normal cells.
The immune system in this case mistakenly starts attacking the normal cells.
Nails fungus is caused by various types of fungal microorganisms.
The most common is known as dermatophyte. The fungal infection in the foot may spread to the nails.
Nail fungus can also occur due to getting in contact with infected surfaces or areas such as gym shower tiles, moist shoes etc.
Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus Symptoms
The symptoms of nail psoriasis and nail fungus are similar. It is difficult to differentiate.
But proper diagnosis is necessary for proper treatment.
Symptoms of nail psoriasis:
Deformation of the nails including pitting and thickening.
Change the nails to yellowish or brownish.
Detachment of the nails from the nailbed occurs that favours the development of infection by bacteria or other microorganisms.
The buildup of chalky substances inside the nails lifts the nail from the nailbed.
Pain and tenderness in the affected nails.
Nail psoriasis always occurs in patients with general psoriasis. It mostly affects fingernails.
Symptoms of nail fungus:
Thickening, pitting and deformation of the nails.
Darkening of the affected nail colour.
Continuous distortion of the affected nail.
The nails become brittle and dull in appearance.
The patient may notice a foul odour from the affected nails.
The nail fungus starts with a white spot under the nail.
Sometimes, the nail fungus infection spreads to the surrounding skin.
Nail fungus mostly affects the toenails. A foul odour indicates a nail fungus infection.
It is also possible that the patient may develop both nail fungus and nail psoriasis at the same time.
Risk Factors for Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus
There are certain risk factors for nail psoriasis or nail fungus that make a person more prone to get affected by the disease.
Let’s take a look at them one by one.
About 50% of people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis may develop nail psoriasis.
Fungi are microorganisms that grow in a moist and warm environment, for example, swimming pools or showers.
Separation in the nail and nailbed due to any reason leads to the development of nail fungus.
Cuts and injuries in the skin may also cause nail fungus infection.
Men with a family history of nail fungus are more prone to develop it in comparison to females.
Some other risk factors for nail fungus are:
Excessive sweating.
Working in a moist environment or wet environment.
Walking barefoot in public swimming pools or gym showers.
Using socks and shoes with poor ventilation.
People who are immunosuppressed such as those with HIV.
Getting in contact with patients with nail fungus.
People with poor circulation such as diabetic patients.
Diagnosis for Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus
The doctor may take a sample from the nail scraping for laboratory investigation.
He will ask about the medical history and symptoms in detail.
Other infections such as bacteria or yeast may also mimic the nail fungus infection.
Therefore, a correct diagnosis is necessary to start the best treatment.
Nail psoriasis can be diagnosed based on symptoms in patients with accompanying skin and joint psoriasis symptoms.
Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus Management
Some management tips can be followed to aid in the treatment and fast recovery of nail psoriasis and nail fungus symptoms.
The nails and feet should be clean and dry thoroughly.
The nails should be short.
The nail tools such as nail cutters or pedicure tools should be cleaned and disinfected.
Change socks twice daily.
The shoes should fit properly fit and allow the feet to breathe.
Wearing shoes whenever possible when visiting a public shower or wet areas.
Best Homeopathic Medicines for Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus
Homeopathy offers a very safe, gentle and quick treatment for patients suffering from nail psoriasis or nail fungus.
There are several wonderful and beneficial remedies in homeopathy for the treatment of nail psoriasis and nail fungus without any adverse effects.
Let’s take a look at them one by one in detail.
1. ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM: For nail psoriasis and nail fungus with gastric derangement
Symptoms:
Antimonium Crudum is indicated as a top-choice remedy for patients suffering from nail psoriasis or nail fungus, particularly when accompanied by gastric derangements. This homeopathic remedy is specifically suited for individuals who exhibit certain characteristic symptoms.
One prominent symptom in Antimonium Crudum patients is their heightened sensitivity to cold bathing. Additionally, they may experience itching in the nails when they become warm, especially when in bed.
Dry skin, often with scaly, pustular eruptions on the skin, is a common feature in these cases. These symptoms tend to worsen at night, causing significant discomfort.
Furthermore, patients may complain of nail discoloration and notice the accumulation of a chalky substance within the nails. This buildup can lead to the separation of the nails from the nailbed, paving the way for potential infections to flourish. In such cases, Antimonium Crudum is the remedy of choice.
Potency and dosage:
Antimonium Crudum 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Antimonium Crudum 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Antimonium Crudum in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
2. GRAPHITES: For nail psoriasis and nail fungus with rough, dry and hard skin
Symptoms:
Graphites is the indicated remedy for cases where patients exhibit a specific set of symptoms. In these individuals, the skin remains persistently rough, hard, and dry.
Furthermore, the affected nails may release a sticky liquid, and even minor injuries to the skin tend to suppurate, or discharge pus.
Cracks in the nails, along with discoloration and spots, are common features in such cases. These symptoms tend to worsen in warm conditions and at night, causing discomfort to the patient.
Additionally, a foul odor may emanate from the affected nail, and in certain instances, there may be a separation of the nails from the nailbed. When these symptoms align with the patient’s presentation, Graphites is the recommended remedy for addressing their condition.
Potency and dosage:
Graphites 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Graphites 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Graphites in 30CH can be taken as four pills or dropped twice daily till improvement occurs.
3. SILICEA: For nail psoriasis and nail fungus with crippled nails
Symptoms:
Silicea is a well-indicated remedy for patients suffering from painful cracks at the ends of their fingers, which can be quite distressing.
The fingertips of individuals requiring Silicea are often characterized by dryness. They may also complain of persistent itching in the nails during both daytime and evening hours. In these cases, the nails may exhibit signs of being crippled, further contributing to the patient’s discomfort.
Moreover, the affected nails are associated with pain and tenderness. Discolored spots on the nails may be noticeable, and other nail abnormalities like pitting, thickening, and deformation can also be present.
Potency and dosage:
Silicea 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Silicea 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Silicea in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
4. FLUORIC ACID: For nail psoriasis or nail fungus with rapidly growing nails
Symptoms:
Fluoric acid is indicated in patient when they complain of a feeling of splintering under the nails.
There is inflammation of the joints of the fingers with crumbled nails.
One of the characteristic features of a Fluoric acid patient is that his nails grow rapidly.
The hands and feet of the patient are sweaty. There is profuse, sour and offensive perspiration.
There is pain and tenderness in the affected nails. In some cases, the nails get separated from the nailbed.
The nails may become brittle and dull in appearance.
Potency and dosage:
Fluoric acid 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Fluoric acid 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Fluoric acid 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
5. BUFO RANA: For nail psoriasis and nail fungus with pain running in streaks up the arms
Symptoms:
Bufo Rana is indicated for nail psoriasis or nail fungus patients when there is pain and tenderness in the affected nails. The pain runs up the arm.
The patient notices discoloration of the nails to yellowish or brownish color.
There is a buildup of chalky substances inside the nail leading to the separation of the nails from the nailbed.
The affected nails become brittle and dull in appearance.
Potency and dosage:
Bufo Rana 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Bufo Rana 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Bufo Rana in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
6. THUJA: For nail psoriasis or nail fungus with brittle nails
Symptoms:
Thuja is indicated when the nails become brittle and dull in appearance. The patient may notice a foul odor coming from the affected nail.
There is discoloration of the nails with spots on the nails.
The patient suffers from ingrown toenails that can lead to nail fungus infection.
There are brownish spots in the nails. The nails of a thuja patient are crippled, brittle and soft.
The affected nails are very sensitive to the touch. The symptoms are worse at the night, from the heat of the bed.
Potency and dosage:
Thuja 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Thuja 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Thuja in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
7. ARNICA MONT: For nail psoriasis or nail fungus after injury
Symptoms:
Arnica Montana is a valuable homeopathic medicine for cases in which the nail becomes separated from the nailbed due to injury, potentially leading to infection.
Individuals requiring this remedy often exhibit a heightened sensitivity to touch, with a morbid dread of being touched.
Common symptoms in these cases include itching and burning in the affected nail, and these symptoms tend to worsen upon the slightest touch. Additionally, patients may notice a foul odor emanating from the affected nail.
The nails themselves may become brittle and appear dull in their overall appearance. Arnica Montana is particularly indicated in these instances and can be beneficial in addressing the associated symptoms and promoting healing.
Potency and dosage:
Arnica Mont 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Arnica Mont 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Arnica Mont in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
8. BACILLINUM: For nail psoriasis and nail fungus with low immunity
Symptoms:
Bacillinum is a highly suitable homeopathic remedy for patients dealing with nail fungus or nail psoriasis, especially when they have a compromised immune system. This remedy is particularly indicated for individuals who present with specific symptoms.
In these cases, the nails often become brittle and take on a dull appearance. Deformation in the nails, such as pitting or thickening, may also be evident. A foul odor emanates from the affected nail, causing discomfort for the patient.
Furthermore, there is a notable presence of pain and tenderness in the affected nails. Patients may experience the separation of their nails from the nailbed and the accumulation of chalky substances within the nails. When these symptoms align with the patient’s condition, Bacillinum is an appropriate choice for addressing their ailment.
Potency and dosage:
Bacillinum 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Bacillinum 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Bacillinum in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
9. SEPIA: For nail psoriasis and nail fungus patients worse from getting wet
Symptoms:
Sepia is a very useful medicine for the treatment of nail psoriasis or nail fungus worse from getting wet.
It is helpful especially when the toenails are involved. The patient complains of sweaty feet, and worse on toes.
There is an intolerably foul odor coming from the toes.
The symptoms become worse after the sweat, at the night, from laundry work.
Potency and dosage:
Sepia 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Sepia 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Sepia in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
10. SULPHUR: For nail fungus and nail psoriasis with unhealthy skin
Symptoms:
Sulphur is the skin leader in homeopathy. It is a very useful medicine for the treatment of nail psoriasis and nail fungus in patients who are suffering from some associated skin diseases such as psoriasis.
The skin of the patient is unhealthy and dry. The infection may also be caused by clipping hangnails.
There is pain and tenderness in the affected nail. The patient may notice a buildup of chalky substances in the nail.
The nail may get separated from the nailbed. The patient complains of a foul odor from the nails.
The symptoms get worse by washing, bathing and at the night due to the warmth of the bed.
Potency and dosage:
Sulphur 1M can be taken as four pills or drops once a week till improvement occurs. Sulphur 200CH can be taken as four pills or drops once daily till improvement occurs.
Sulphur in 30CH can be taken as four pills or drops twice daily till improvement occurs.
Remember that homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on individual symptoms and characteristics. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Homeopathy focuses on treating the whole person, so a detailed case study is necessary to select the most appropriate remedy.
Homeopathic medicines should be taken only when prescribed by a homeopathic physician. Self-medication may aggravate the original conditions.