Nail involvement in psoriasis

This study aimed to gain knowledge of the prevalence and clinical manifestations of nail psoriasis and patient experiences of treatment of the condition.
A structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all members (n = 5,400) of the Dutch Psoriasis Association. This enquired about sociodemographic patient characteristics, disease-related data and treatment of nail psoriasis. Patients reported their nail manifestations with photographs. Those with nail psoriasis were compared with patients without nail psoriasis.
The prevalence of nail psoriasis was 66%. The most frequently observed psoriatic nail manifestation was pitting (65.4%), whereas red spots in the lunula were infrequently seen (6.5%).
Patients with nail psoriasis more often reported psoriasis capitis (75.8% versus 65.7%), genital psoriasis (32.7% versus 20.3%) and psoriatic arthritis (46.4% versus 30.6%), compared with patients with psoriasis without nail involvement.
Only 16% received treatment for nail psoriasis. Systemic therapies were most often stated as being effective for nail lesions. Klaassen K, van de Kerkhof P, Pasch M. Br J Dermatol 2013; 169: 314-19

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