Artificial nails and psoriasis.
When dealing with artificial nails, it is often mentioned that psoriasis is a contraindication because artificial nails may worsen nail psoriasis by Köbner phenomenon.(1) However, although not thoroughly discussed, other interactions between psoriasis and artificial nails exist. On the basis of clinical cases, the following interactions are described: worsening of psoriasis, the fact that psoriatic patients wearing artificial nails are more exposed to infections, and allergic risks. The clinical similarities that may exist between nail psoriasis and nail alterations caused by allergic reactions to artificial nails are also emphasized.
André
Josette
J
Department of Dermatology, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. josette_andre@stpierre-bru.be