Nail psoriasis - what a rheumatologist should know about.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition.
• Nail involvement, or nail psoriasis, affects a significant percentage of plaque psoriasis patients.
• Nail psoriasis is frequently associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on the correlation between nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
• To provide rheumatologists with a concise overview of nail psoriasis features, assessment methods, and clinical implications.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted on the PubMed database.
• Keywords used included 'nail psoriasis' and 'psoriatic arthritis'.

Main Results:

• Nail matrix psoriasis presents with pitting, Beau lines, leukonychia, lunula red spots, or crumbling.
• Nail bed psoriasis is characterized by onycholysis, oil drops, dyschromia, splinter hemorrhages, or subungual hyperkeratosis.
• Nail psoriasis and psoriasis in the gluteal cleft or scalp are common in PsA, particularly in adult men.

Conclusions:

• Nail psoriasis is a significant indicator of psoriatic arthritis.
• Awareness of nail psoriasis features and assessment is crucial for rheumatologists.
• Early identification of nail psoriasis may facilitate timely diagnosis and management of PsA.