Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that cannot be completely cured. The disease requires symptomatic therapy in order to reduce the severity of the manifestations and improve well-being. Psoriasis on the hands is a common localization of the pathology. It begins with the appearance of small plaques and can progress without proper treatment.
Causes and mechanism of development
Psoriatic plaques on the hands, especially on the fingers, significantly affect the quality of life. Despite the fact that the disease is not contagious, the strange skin imperfections are alarming. Psoriasis is not the most pleasant disease, not only because it looks like that, but also because of the risk of complications.
The exact etiology of this dermatological disease has not been clarified. Experts identify risk factors that may influence the development of pathology. It is known that psoriasis is not transmitted by contact, it cannot be contracted by contact with a patient.
It is also important that it cannot be completely cured, so a person is forced to take supportive measures throughout life and carefully monitor the condition of the skin at different times of the year. Frequent exacerbations occur in spring and winter. Scientists include the following factors in the development of the disease:
- genetic predisposition;
- immunodeficiency, decreased protective function of the body;
- frequent skin lesions of viral, fungal, bacterial origin;
- sharp change in climatic conditions;
- chronic skin diseases, including congenital anomalies;
- long-term use of certain medications, especially anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and steroid hormones;
- psycho-emotional overload;
- metabolic disorders in the body.
Psoriatic plaques on the hands begin to appear in the area of the small joints, between the fingers, near the phalanges. Pathological elements are more visible on the surface of the palms. Psoriasis of such localization is the most difficult to treat because the hands are often in contact with household chemicals and other irritants.
Risk group
The risk group for developing the disease are men and women who often face other dermatological diseases. The likelihood of the disease increases when there have already been cases of psoriasis in the family.
Pathology can occur in people with weakened immunity, in those living in unsatisfactory living conditions. The risk group also includes those who are forced to come into contact with aggressive chemicals due to their activities.
Clinical manifestations
The first signs in the initial stage of the disease will be individual pathological elements in the area of the hands. Plaques may appear on the hands, fingers, and back of the palms. If the nails are involved in the pathological process, there is a risk of loss of sensitivity and the appearance of tissue edema.
Increased dryness of the skin causes cracks on the palms. There are signs of thickening of the epidermis, which resembles blisters.
The main manifestations of psoriasis on the hands will be:
- increased dryness, pronounced redness of the skin;
- thickening of the epidermis, increase in finger volume due to edema;
- Plaque cracking
- sometimes several elements merge with damage to healthy skin.
In winter and autumn, when cold days prevail, the disease manifests itself as intense peeling of the skin. Without treatment, there is the possibility of scratching your hands with an infection, then the symptoms are complemented by signs of inflammation.
Forms of pathology
Psoriasis on the hands can take several forms:
- On your toes. It is manifested by peeling, creating plaques that are often inflamed. Worsening occurs in winter. It often leads to complications.
- On brushes. It occurs in 25% of patients, the signs are similar to psoriasis on the fingers, while the skin on the affected area becomes rough, areas of redness appear. The patient complains of constant discomfort, active peeling, itching.
- Palmar-plantar. It occurs in people who do hard physical work. Soles and palms were damaged. Areas of rough skin resemble hard blisters, and cracks often appear.
- Arthropathic. Psoriasis occurs against the background of joint damage. The elements of the rash are located in the phalanges. In addition to external manifestations, the patient is concerned about joint pain during movement and then at rest.
- Pustular. The palms and soles of the feet became ill. Stress and hormonal pathologies become risk factors. The rash has clear borders and pustules appear. The disease is recurrent and difficult to treat.
Each form of the disease goes through three consecutive phases - initial, progressive and stationary. After one cycle (which goes through 3 phases) the regression of the disease begins. At this stage, the clinical signs almost completely disappear. Treatment aims to prolong the regressive phase as much as possible, otherwise the disease cycle repeats itself over and over again.
Differential diagnosis
Psoriasis in the hands differs from pathologies such as lichen planus, Reiter's disease, syphilis, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis.
The trademark of psoriasis during the examination will be the psoriatic triad, by the presence of which the doctor can diagnose. It includes the appearance of stearin spots, spotting, and the final film.
Methods of treatment
Although psoriasis cannot be completely eliminated, it must be treated to avoid complications and improve quality of life.
The main measures of treatment of psoriasis on the hands:
- use of skin care products to moisturize and soften the skin;
- taking antihistamines to relieve itching;
- taking medications to boost immunity;
- additional use of homeopathic remedies.
Physiotherapy and photochemotherapy may be prescribed for psoriatic lesions. When psoriasis is accompanied by joint disease, painkillers from the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
Depending on the stage of the disease, the dermatologist will prescribe topical anti-inflammatory medications. These can be salicylic, ichthyol, sulfur-tar fats. Hormonal ointments can be used to quickly relieve symptoms of severe itching; cannot be used without a doctor's permission.
You can use baby creams for sensitive skin that contain herbal ingredients to soften and moisturize.
Prevention measures
General preventive measures to prevent exacerbations of psoriasis on the hands:
- use rubber gloves when cleaning the house when you need to come in contact with detergents and cleaners;
- rejection of bad habits, good sleep and a balanced diet;
- daily hand skin care with natural cosmetics or pharmaceutical preparations;
- regular sunbathing, frequent ventilation at home, walking in the fresh air, avoiding stress;
- treatment of the skin with antiseptic in case of accidental damage (while dressing the wound is not recommended for a long time);
- adherence to the Pegano diet, which includes limiting meat dishes, sweets, and adding more grains, vegetables, and herbs to the diet.
Disease prognosis
An unpleasant psoriatic rash on the hands causes stress in many patients. At the same time, experiences only make the situation worse. Psoriasis can be regressive for a long time, but for this you need to follow the therapeutic and preventive measures prescribed by your doctor.
It is impossible to completely get rid of psoriasis, but proper skin care, adherence to a diet and the use of special creams will hide the symptoms of the disease as much as possible. Regardless of the manifestations of the disease, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist every few months to monitor the dynamics of the disease and adjust the treatment regimen, if the condition requires it.