Prednisone and Nail Fungus

Steroids lower a person's immune response to infections, viral, bacterial, and also fungal. So it is understandable that your nail infections have spread or gotten worse. There are antifungal medications that your doctor can Rx.

I've just been reading about psoriatic arthritis and one of the symptoms (others include symptoms mimicking PMR) is nails which look like they have a fungus infection.

I see Anhaga has already mentioned the first thing that sprang to my mind - I have just posted this somewhere else:

"Just like psoriasis, PsA can cause many nail problems and changes. These include “pitting,” or the formation of depressions in your fingernails or toenails. You may also notice your nail separating from your nail bed.

Sometimes nail dysfunctions can appear similar to fungal infections.

If your nails on either your hands or feet look discolored or have indentations, this could be a sign of psoriatic arthritis. In later stages, the nails can be crumble and may become very damaged."

PsA and PMR CAN present almost identically in the very early stages although usually there are differences later on. But several people on the forums have had rheumies who were determined to make their PMR into PsA - though equally, doctors don't always link nail problems with PsA.

Have you had your toenail fungal issues confirmed by cultures or has the diagnosis been made on the basis of appearance? If you have used "antifungal" treatments that haven't worked over many years - it would suggest maybe it isn't the right conclusion! Worth checking out with your rheumy - and getting nail cultures done if that is possible.

Hi Bob I had nail problems while on the pred and I used vicks vaper rub every day washed my feet put the rub on round the toe nails then a pair of white pair of socks on.