How do medications treat nail psoriasis?

A common medication used to treat nail psoriasis is topical corticosteroids. This medication is applied directly to the affected nails and helps to slow the death and regeneration of cells by suppressing the immune system. Vitamin D, such as calcipotriene, will help slow down cell growth. Light therapy, including psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), can be done in conjunction with medicinal treatments. These can be very effective in reducing symptoms by slowing down the cell regeneration rate. Side effects, however, can include headache, nausea, skin damage, and even the risk of skin cancer. Medications taken orally or via injection generally act to suppress the immune system's response to the cells; these are used in cases of severe psoriasis.

Treatments for nail psoriasis that your doctor may suggest include corticosteroid injections into the nail and light therapy (using a special light to help stop the overproduction of skin cells). According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, nail psoriasis affects up to 50% of people who are living with psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which the body produces skin cells too fast.