Treatment
Some individuals have had success treating nail infections with home remedies, such as bleach, mouthwash and peroxide. I do not recommend their use as they can burn and irritate delicate tissues. My other concern is that they delay treatment with more effective remedies.
Applying undiluted tea tree oil to nails and the surrounding skin can be effective. Topical remedies that contain a substance called undecylenic acid are often recommended. Undecylenic acid is derived from castor oil.
One of the challenges of using topical remedies is that it is difficult for the medication to get beneath the nail and penetrate the infected tissues below. Several new, topical prescription drugs have been approved for the treatment of nail infections, but they are expensive and may have undesirable side effects.
Oral medications may be effective, however, I do not suggest using them unless the infection is severe. Many of the oral medications have very dangerous side effects. I have not been impressed by the success rates of the prescription drugs. Some are helpful for preventing reinfection, however their ability to clear infections without harmful side effects is limited.
Your dermatologist can provide you with detailed information about the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of treatment.
In severe cases, nail removal may be necessary. This can be accomplished surgically or by having a doctor apply a medication which gradually dissolves the infected nail. The benefit of surgical removal is that when medication is applied afterwards, it goes directly to the infected area. The entire nail or just a portion of it may need removal. While laser treatments are available, research does not indicate that they remove the infection permanently. Check with your dermatologist.
Conclusion
Simply being aware that you have a higher risk of contracting yeast and other infections is valuable. You know how to identify early signs of infection so that you can seek prompt advice and begin treatment quickly.
Take measures which reduce your symptoms of psoriasis and help to make your body less susceptible to yeast and other types of infecting organisms. If you have signs of a yeast infection of your nails, consult with your health care provider so that you can begin an effective treatment plan.
