Topic Overview

Psoriasis of the nail can be very hard to treat, and treatment is not always successful. Treatment is aimed at the white half-moon–shaped root of the nail (the matrix).

• Your doctor may recommend that you rub 1.0% fluorouracil solution (such as Fluoroplex) into the area where the nail and skin meet (skin fold) twice a day.
• Another option is flurandrenolide-impregnated tape (such as Cordran) applied in strips at the base of nails every night for several weeks.
• Triamcinolone (a steroid) may be injected into the nail folds. This is effective but very painful, even when diluted with an anesthetic.
• The nails may be surgically removed after 5 to 10 days of treatment with a urea compound that is applied under a closed dressing.