Great... Fingernails Are Now Peeling Off...

[Spot On]

I have 3 out of 10 fingernails plus my big toenail that are lifting off thanks to my dear friend psoriasis.

Are there any ways to prevent or reverse this? I have a 6 tube NB UVB unit, and I expose my fingernails to it, but I assume the light cannot get through the nails.

I don't like steroids, as I find they rebound and other nasty stuff.

Thanks

[jiml]

Hi spot on that sounds very uncomfortable for you. I don’t think there’s an easy answer, but I would suggest getting to see your dermatologist and get on to a systemic drug such as acetretin or Skilarence or even methotrexate see Oral Treatments For Psoriasis. Or You could ask for dovonex cream. Dovonex Ointment which is not steroid based but is a vitamin d derivative ....  I think that’s your best bet at reversing the damage ... I hope you get it sorted quickly as I’m sure it must be  painful
Good luck
Jim

[Spot On]

Hi spot on that sounds very uncomfortable for you. I don’t think there’s an easy answer, but I would suggest getting to see your dermatologist and get on to a systemic drug such as acetretin or Skilarence or even methotrexate see Oral Treatments For Psoriasis. Or You could ask for dovonex cream. Dovonex Ointment which is not steroid based but is a vitamin d derivative ....  I think that’s your best bet at reversing the damage ... I hope you get it sorted quickly as I’m sure it must be  painful
Good luck
Jim

Thanks Jim. It is not really painful- yet. It is weird not having my fingertips protected. I guess if I bang them with no nail pain will then be a factor.

I am trying to stay away from biologics and other immune screwing drugs. I have a gut feeling it won't end well for me if I do.

[jiml]

Hi spot on that sounds very uncomfortable for you. I don’t think there’s an easy answer, but I would suggest getting to see your dermatologist and get on to a systemic drug such as acetretin or Skilarence or even methotrexate see Oral Treatments For Psoriasis. Or You could ask for dovonex cream. Dovonex Ointment which is not steroid based but is a vitamin d derivative ....  I think that’s your best bet at reversing the damage ... I hope you get it sorted quickly as I’m sure it must be  painful
Good luck
Jim

I can understand your reluctance to use drugs that modify your immune system. But I’m afraid your options are limited, you could try to modify your diet and hope it does some good, have a read of Alan’s thread using diet  How I Cured My Psoriasis By Diet it might give you some ideas

[River60]

Sorry to be so late in pitching in on this.  I went through the same thing.  I've lost them all, toenails and fingernails.  I did find the toenails very painful until they fell off and of course the buildup of skin on top of the toes was pretty tormenting as it seemed to itch in a weird painful way.  My best advice is soak them as much as you can with epsom salts.  The good news is that as the nails fell off they all were replaced with what appeared to me to be thick layers of skin that resembled the nails (in a rough thick sort of way) and although I don't recommend ballet it became much more bearable.  

I ended up with prosaic arthritis in my toes and some of my fingers and what helped me was using Tylenol for Arthritis.  I kick myself for not using it before but because I had liver issues I tend to obtain from taking pills or alcohol.  

I went for light treatments twice a week for over 5 months.  It didn't stop the nails from disintegrating nor really did much for the skin.  Summer sun or if you can head south and get a week or two now and again.  Amazing how real sunlight worked on me.

I'm now taking Otezla.  I've been on it now for a little over three months and I do see an improvement.  It's been well over a year since I had a real toenail and yippee I actually have one on one foot now.  Also, my skin is clearing quite a bit.  I was so disappointed at first because I didn't see a lot of change but I think this therapy needs a lot of time to build up.  At least that's what I'm hoping.  I'm scheduled to see my dermatologist near the end of April and if the improvement doesn't continue she has indicated injections are next.   

I'm so sorry you are going through this but try not to get to upset.  Once they fall off the plaque buildup replacing them at least resembles nails...  Hugs Pam