Does psoriasis of the nail have a significant effect on quality of life?
Psoriasis of the nail can lead to functional handicap as patients may have difficulty picking up objects because their nails are very thick and detach from their bed. Manual workers run the risk of further trauma to the nails. Contact with irritants and moisture also lead to the growth of fungus. The unsightly nature of psoriasis of the nail also causes patients distress, understandably as the hands, like the face, are very important in interpersonal relationships. Our hands allow us to communicate with other people and to touch them. A study by the APLCP shows that significant discomfort is caused to patients by its impact on the ability to perform manual tasks and its unpleasant appearance. This impact is proportional to the site and extent of lesions. Patients usually do not like showing their hands and tend to hide them. The simple act of shaking someone’s hand becomes problematic. People whose professions lead them into contact with the public find it difficult to tolerate people
