Skin Conditions Like Psoriasis
Psoriasis is patches of thick red skin and silver-colored scales. The commonly affected areas are the elbows, knees, lower back, palms, scalp, and the soles of the feet, but there are cases in which the fingernails, toenails, and mouth are also affected.
Psoriasis is an immune system problem. The immune system malfunctions causing the infection-fighting cells to collapse and attack the healthy cells. Experts say that psoriasis is both a genetic and environmental factor. Although this condition is not contagious, it may still affect the percentage of risk of other diseases, such as toenail fungus.
Nails and skin are closely the same. The substance that makes up both is keratin, a protein form. Therefore, having psoriasis increases the chance of having toenail fungus. This is due to the potential development of nail fungus in those affected with psoriasis. It can cause discoloration, pitting, and deformations within toenails, which makes them vulnerable to fungus-caused diseases.
