Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that cannot be completely cured. The disease requires symptomatic therapy to reduce the severity of manifestations and improve well-being. Psoriasis on the hands is a common localization of the pathology. It starts with the appearance of small plaques and can progress without proper treatment.
Causes and Mechanism of Development
Psoriatic plaques on the hands, especially the fingers, significantly affect the quality of life. While the disease is not contagious, strange skin defects are alarming. Psoriasis is not the most pleasant illness, and not only because it looks like it, but also because of the risk of complications.
The exact etiology of the occurrence of this dermatological disease is not clear. Experts identify risk factors that can affect the development of the pathology. It is known that psoriasis is not transmitted through contact, it cannot be infected through contact with the patient.
It is also important that it cannot be completely cured, therefore, throughout life, a person is forced to take supportive means and carefully monitor the condition of the skin at different times of the year. Exacerbations are common in spring and winter. Scientists include the following factors in the development of the disease:
- genetic predisposition;
- Immunodeficiencies, a decrease in the protective function of the body;
- frequent skin lesions of viral, fungal, bacterial origin;
- a sharp change in climatic conditions;
- chronic skin diseases, including congenital abnormalities;
- long-term use of certain drugs, 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. It is the most difficult to treat psoriasis of such a localization, since the hands are often in contact with household chemicals and other irritants.
Risk group
The risk group for developing the disease includes men and women who are often faced with other dermatological diseases. The likelihood of the disease increases if there has been a family history of psoriasis.
Pathology can appear in people with weakened immunity, in those who live in unsatisfactory living conditions. The risk group also includes those who, because of their activities, are forced to come into contact with aggressive chemicals.
Clinical manifestations
The first signs in the initial stages of the disease will be individual pathological elements in the area of the hands. Plaques can appear on the hands, fingers, and palms. If 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 in the palms of the hands. There are signs of thickening of the epidermis, reminiscent of calluses.
The main manifestations of psoriasis on the hands are:
- increased dryness, pronounced reddening of the skin;
- Thickening of the epidermis, increase in finger volume due to edema;
- Cracking when plaque cracks
- 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 a chance of scratching your hands with an infection, then symptoms will be complemented by signs of inflammation.
Forms of pathology
Psoriasis in the hands can take several forms:
- On the fingers. It manifests itself through peeling, the formation of plaques that are often inflamed. Aggravation occurs in winter. It often leads to complications.
- On the brushes. It occurs in 25% of patients, the signs resemble psoriasis on the fingers, while the skin in the affected area becomes rough, redness appears. The patient complains of constant discomfort, active peeling, itching.
- Palmar-plantar. Occurs in people who do heavy physical labor. The soles of the feet and palms are affected. Areas with rough skin resemble firm calluses, and cracks appear very often.
- 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 worried about the pain in the joints during movement, and then at rest.
- Pustule. The palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are affected. Stress and hormonal diseases become risk factors. The rash has clear boundaries and pustules appear. The disease recurs frequently and is difficult to treat.
Each form of the disease has three successive stages - initial, progressive, and stationary. After one cycle (through 3 stages) the disease begins to regress. At this stage, the clinical symptoms almost completely disappear. Treatment aims to prolong the regressive stage as much as possible, otherwise the disease cycle repeats itself over and over again.
Differential diagnosis
Psoriasis on the hands is differentiated with pathologies such as lichen planus, Reiter's disease, syphilis, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis.
The hallmark of psoriasis during the examination is the psoriasis triad, based on which the doctor can make a diagnosis. It includes the phenomena of stearin stain, punctiform hemorrhage, and terminal film.
Treatment methods
Although psoriasis cannot be completely eliminated, it must be treated to avoid complications and improve the quality of life.
The main measures to treat psoriasis on the hands:
- the use of skin care products to moisturize and soften the skin;
- Taking antihistamines to relieve itching;
- Taking drugs to strengthen immunity;
- additional use of homeopathic remedies.
For psoriatic lesions, physiotherapy and photochemotherapy can be prescribed. When psoriasis is accompanied by joint diseases, pain relievers from the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
Depending on the stage of the disease, the dermatologist will prescribe local anti-inflammatory drugs. It can be salicylic, ichthyol, sulfur-tar ointments. To quickly relieve symptoms of severe itching, hormonal ointments can be used, which should not be used without a doctor's approval.
You can use baby creams for sensitive skin that contain herbal ingredients to soften and moisturize.
Preventive measures
General preventive measures to prevent exacerbations of psoriasis on the hands:
- the use of rubber gloves when cleaning the house when you need to come into contact with detergents and cleaning products;
- Rejection of bad habits, good sleep and a balanced diet;
- Daily hand care of the skin with natural cosmetics or pharmaceutical preparations;
- regular sunbathing, frequent airing at home, walking in the fresh air, avoiding stress;
- Treating the skin with an antiseptic in case of accidental damage (it is not recommended to bandage the wound for a long period of time);
- Adhering to the Pegano Diet, which restricts meat dishes and sweets and includes more grains, vegetables and herbs in the diet.
Disease prognosis
The unpleasant psoriasis rash on the hands causes stress for many sufferers. At the same time, experiences only exacerbate the situation. Psoriasis can go back for a long time, but for this you need to follow the therapeutic and preventive measures prescribed by the doctor.
It is impossible to get rid of psoriasis completely, 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 correct the treatment regimen if the condition requires.