Identification of nail features associated with psoriasis severity

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Psoriasis commonly affects nails, but detailed prevalence and clinical characteristic studies are lacking.
• Understanding nail involvement is crucial for managing psoriatic disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the prevalence and clinical features of nail psoriasis.
• Determine the relationship between nail psoriasis features and overall disease severity.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 85.5% of psoriasis patients for nail involvement.
• Utilized the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).
• Assessed nail fold psoriasis (NFP) and subungual hyperkeratosis (SH).

Main Results:

• Nail psoriasis prevalence was 85.5%, with pitting most common (55.6%).
• Subungual hyperkeratosis (SH) and nail fold psoriasis (NFP) strongly correlated with nail and skin psoriasis severity.
• Localized pustular psoriasis showed more severe nail involvement than chronic plaque psoriasis.

Conclusions:

• The majority of psoriasis patients exhibit nail involvement.
• SH and NFP are key indicators of severe nail and cutaneous psoriasis.
• Early detection of SH or NFP is vital for managing psoriatic disease progression.