Clinical and Laboratory Investigation

Psoriasis of the Nails Associated with Disability in a Large Number of Patients: Results of a Recent Interview with 1,728 Patients
E.M.G.J. de Jong, B.A.M.P.A. Seegers, M.K. Gulinck, J.B.M. Boezeman, P.C.M. van de Kerkhof

Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Address of Corresponding Author

Dermatology 1996;193:300-303 (DOI: 10.1159/000246274)

  Key Words

• Psoriasis
• Nails

  Abstract

Background and Objective: Occurrence rates of clinical features of nail psoriasis vary considerably in the literature. Little information is available on subjective complaints of patients affected by psoriasis of the nails. Method: Interviews with 1,728 psoriatic patients concerning their nail changes and complaints are reviewed. Results: The results indicate that pitting and deformation are the most common clinical aberrations in psoriatic nails, with a positive association between the duration of skin lesions and nail psoriasis. No relation was found between age and nail psoriasis in this group. Remarkably, 51.8% of patients suffered from pain caused by the nail changes, and a large group of patients was restricted in their daily activities, housekeeping and/or profession (58.9, 56.1, 47.9%). Treatment was disappointing: only 19.3% showed marked improvement during treatment. Conclusion: This indicates that psoriasis of the nails is a more important individual and social-economic problem than previously assumed and that development of new treatments is needed.

Copyright © 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Elke M.G.J. de Jong, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, NL-6500 HB Nijmegen (The Netherlands)

  Article Information

Received: February 15, 1996
Accepted: April 27, 1996
Published online: October 06, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 4