Do fungi play a role in psoriatic nails?

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail disease, accounting for half of all nail abnormalities.
• Nail morphology abnormalities, like those seen in psoriasis, may increase susceptibility to fungal infections.
• Psoriasis commonly causes nail changes, potentially compromising the nail's protective barrier.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients.
• To investigate the role of psoriasis-related nail changes in fungal susceptibility.
• To determine the necessity of mycological examination and antifungal treatment in psoriatic patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic populations.
• Analysis of studies comparing onychomycosis rates in psoriatic versus non-psoriatic individuals.
• Evaluation of etiological factors and diagnostic approaches for onychomycosis in psoriasis.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients is generally not higher than in the control population.
• Yeasts and potentially molds are more frequently isolated from psoriatic patients, possibly as concomitant pathogens.
• Dystrophic nails in psoriasis may lose their barrier function, increasing fungal risk.

Conclusions:

• While overall prevalence is similar, psoriatic nails may have a higher incidence of specific fungal co-infections.
• Mycological examination is crucial for diagnosing onychomycosis in psoriatic patients with suggestive nail changes.
• Antifungal therapy can be beneficial for psoriatic patients diagnosed with onychomycosis.