Nail Psoriasis in Older Adults: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Topical Therapy

Abstract

Nail involvement is common in patients with cutaneous psoriasis, which is prevalent among older adults. Nail psoriasis greatly impacts patients' quality of life and self-esteem. Concomitant psoriatic arthritis is common. Treating nail psoriasis in the geriatric population may be challenging. General nail care measures may prevent exacerbations. Topical therapy is relatively effective, with a low rate of adverse events and little to no risk of systemic toxicity or drug interactions. However, application under occlusion may be cumbersome. There is a need for randomized controlled clinical trials in the elderly population to make more evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Keywords: Elderly; Nail psoriasis; Nails; Older adults; Onycholysis; Psoriatic arthritis; Quality of life; Subungual hyperkeratosis.