Psoriasis on the hands

This form of psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease which mainly affects:

• Palm trees.
• Areas between the fingers.
• Hands.

Most often, people suffering from this form of the disease develop serious psychological complexes.

This form of the disease does not pose a serious threat to human life, however, with the development of severe forms, this disease can be accompanied by the development of a number of very serious complications.

One of the most common complications is damage to the joint area of the lower and upper extremities. This complication leads to the development of psoriatic arthritis. This disease is quite dangerous, because it can lead to the development of temporary disability or even disability.

Most people with hand psoriasis are diagnosed with lesions that appear specifically on the palms and soles.

This form of the disease causes the patient a lot of inconvenience, since the main foci of development of this disease cannot be hidden under clothing, and the formation of cracks is accompanied by the appearance of painful sensations.

The lesions themselves are small, pink-colored patches. The plaques protrude strongly above the surface of the skin and eventually become covered with gray scales.

In some cases, the formation of yellow pustules is observed.

The main symptoms of the development of this form of the disease:

• Dry skin.
• Thickening of the skin.
• The appearance of redness.
• Appearance of cracks.
• The appearance of formations resembling calluses.

Causes

Among the many factors that can cause the disease are:

• Allergic reactions;
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Diseases of the kidneys, liver and pancreas;
• Overweight;
• Dysfunction of metabolism and endocrine system;
• Hereditary predisposition;
• Chronic depression, stress or nervous tension.

As we have already noted, the exact causes of psoriasis have not yet been determined. Experts have not been able to establish exactly what causes psoriasis and in what cases it appears.

At the same time, diseases or moments causing skin damage in the patient were identified:

1. Heredity.
2. Immune system disorders and metabolic problems.
3. Psycho-emotional overload.
4. Bad habits and eating disorders.
5. General intoxication.
6. Viruses, bacteria, fungal infections.
7. With a sudden change in climatic living conditions.
8. In case of chronic skin disease.
9. If the patient takes medications from different pharmacological groups for a long time.

Sometimes the disease can manifest itself if a person uses detergents that deprive the skin of its natural covering. It is important to remember that since psoriasis is not contagious, you do not need to be overly concerned with your personal hygiene.

Various factors can cause eczema on the hands:

• hereditary predisposition;
• weakened immunity;
• disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands;
• changes in hormonal levels;
• chronic diseases;
• infections;
• nervous tension;
• frequent stress;
• constant exposure to chemicals (detergents, paints, solvents) on the skin;
• uncontrolled use of medications (for example, anti-inflammatories);
• clothing made from synthetic fabrics;
• rings and bracelets made of certain alloys;
• cheap and poor quality cosmetics;
• pollen;
• Poplar fluff;
• animal hair;
• insect bites;
• mold;
• house dust;
• helminthic infestations;
• certain food products.

The mechanism of psoriasis has not been fully established, but it was found that it is caused by a violation of cell division of the skin, in which diseased cells begin to multiply and grow 5-10 times morequickly. Soon, immune cells join the process and blood vessels grow.

After the death of cells, keratinized areas remain on the smooth surface of the skin - convex psoriatic plaques. In addition to genetic predisposition, features of immunity, skin structure and indirect causes that influence the triggering of the development of psoriasis have been identified.

Recent medical research shows a link between the disease and other pathologies:

• metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, increased production of free radicals and nitrogen oxides involved in skin keratinization);
• atherosclerosis;
• cardiovascular illnesses;
• liver and kidney pathologies;
• osteoporosis;
• obesity.

Risk factors include:

• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• change in weather conditions.

You cannot become infected through contact with a sick person, there are no external carriers of the disease. The inflammatory process occurs in the body and a genetic predisposition to a characteristic disease cannot be excluded. Other causes of psoriasis on the hands are detailed below:

• impaired metabolism;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• occupational risk;
• tendency to allergic reactions;
• presence of bad habits;
• bad nutrition;
• immune disorders of the body;
• violation of personal hygiene rules.

The dermatosis is heterogeneous. There are exogenous and endogenous triggers of disease.

Exogenous factors include ambient temperature fluctuations, poor habits, prolonged use of medications, infections, injuries, and an atherogenic nutritional profile. Endogenous factors include hereditary predisposition, weakening of immunity, stress and sensitization of the body.

Provoking factors trigger the development of the pathological process. Modern dermatologists tend to view psoriasis on the palms and soles as the result of a combination of several triggers.

The causes of the disease are not fully understood. Scientists identify several theories:

1. Psoriasis is a genetic disease.
2. Psoriasis appears due to disorders of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems.
3. Psoriasis is a disease that appears due to poor ecology and the accumulation of harmful substances in the body.

When these reasons combine, psoriasis appears. However, the main factor remains genetic: scientists have identified several genes responsible for the appearance of the disease.

Factors provoking the appearance of psoriasis:

• stressful situations;
• hazardous industries, particularly those with high concentrations of phenols;
• wounds, abrasions, burns: sometimes psoriasis appears in these places;
• alcohol, tobacco;
• infections: particularly streptococcal;
• incorrect selection of certain medications.

Why does palm psoriasis develop?

Psoriasis can appear in a person regardless of age and gender. However, some statistics indicate a frequent development of the disease between the ages of 30 and 50.

Scientists have found that the main reason for the development of the disease is dysfunction of the human immune system and genetic predisposition. However, these facts have not been fully proven, and to date, the clear causes of psoriasis remain unclear. The main factors that cause palmar psoriasis are the following reasons:

1. Decreased immunity.
2. Mechanical damage to the palms.
3. Frequent contact of hands with water.
4. Contact of the skin of the hands with chemicals, for example, household chemicals, as well as with various products at work.
5. The cause is often diseases such as scarlet fever, chronic tonsillitis, kidney disease and other diseases.
6. Oncology.

Doctors attribute alcohol abuse, drug use and certain medications to another cause of the disease.

The main manifestations of psoriasis of the palms

It should be noted that this type of disease occurs mainly in people performing physical work associated with stress on the hands. In medical practice, it is customary to distinguish three types of diseases. These include:

1. Fan-shaped plate.
2. Circular.
3. Callous.

Types of psoriasis on the hands

Location of psoriasis on the hands	description of the problem
On the palms	Redness of the surface of the skin of the palms, itching, roughness of the upper layer, the appearance of calluses. Outwardly, many people confuse palmar psoriasis with yeast infection or eczema. To make a correct diagnosis, you need to consult a specialist.
On hands and fingers	Inflammation, swelling of the fingers, scaling, cracked skin, pain and itching.

Depending on the localization of the process and the precise location of the appearance of the primary lesions, several types of hand psoriasis are distinguished:

• Pustular - the most dangerous type, affects any skin. First of all, small spots appear on the phalanges of the fingers and palms, involving the nail plates. Then the spots merge, fill with pus, the lesion spreads to the hands and other areas, causing swelling and degenerative changes in the organs.
• Drop-shaped - rashes are pale pink, convex, shaped like small drops. It is located on the shoulders and forearms and extends over a large area.
• Nail – This type of psoriasis causes changes in the appearance of the nails and nail bed. A "thimble symptom" is observed when the color of the nail plates changes and small imprints and grooves form on them. At the same time, the nails thicken and begin to peel off, until they disappear completely.
• Plaque (vulgar) – takes first place in terms of prevalence. These are typical psoriatic plaques with a tendency to coalesce and form "paraffin lakes". They appear above the elbow joints, on the extensor surface of the arms and affect the palms. Palmar psoriasis is characterized by enlargement of the epidermis and the formation of cracked, callus-like tubercles on the surface of the dermis.

Stages of the disease

At the initial stage of hand psoriasis, even before the first rash appears, the following disorders can be recognized:

1. swelling is observed in the joint area;
2. the skin takes on a reddish tint in places;
3. nail plates become inflamed.

The following stages of hand psoriasis are distinguished:

1. Exacerbation is a progressive stage of the disease. It is characterized by an increase in the number and size of spots, increased itching and scaling.

2. Stationary stage - it is characterized by an attenuation of the disease, a change in the color of psoriatic plaques (they become less red, more white), as well as a reduction in spots.
3. The remission phase is characterized by the complete disappearance of all signs of psoriasis.

Looking at hands with psoriasis is extremely unpleasant. But the disease is so common that people need to know what psoriasis looks like on their hands in order to detect the problem in time and start treatment of the disease in a timely manner.

Hand psoriasis develops gradually. Doctors note that in medicine there are several stages of the disease that imperceptibly replace each other in the absence of timely treatment. The clinical outcome for the patient depends entirely on therapeutic measures allowing a rapid response. The evolution and signs of the different stages of psoriasis of the upper limbs are as follows:

1. Initial stage. Small round papules have clear boundaries. At first, they are solitary, but 2 to 3 days after the dermis has peeled off, they spread and cover large areas of the lesion.
2. Progressive stage. Painful nodules are distinguished by a bright red tint and in the center there is peeling of the epidermis with the formation of crusts. The pathology is preceded by skin microtrauma.
3. Stationary scene. Once red rashes turn bluish and dry out. The inflammatory process reduces its intensity, the itching stops, but skin hyperemia is present.
4. Regressive stage. Local manifestations of psoriasis decrease in intensity and, once painful, the lesions disappear. There is a long period of remission, no peeling, but white spots with clear boundaries are visible.

Psoriasis of any form and location, including psoriasis of the skin of the hands, goes through 3 stages:

1. Progressive stage (exacerbation) - spots grow, new ones appear, the manifestations of psoriasis intensify.
2. Stationary stage - the manifestations of the disease fade, the spots turn pale and decrease in size.
3. Regressive stage (remission) - manifestations completely disappear.

The initial stage of psoriasis of the arms and hands can manifest itself in different ways: either pale spots appear, barely noticeable, or immediately bright, as in the acute stage (less often).

Features of treatment in pregnant women and children

Due to the mother's weakened immunity and the child's immature immune system, treatment of finger eczema requires:

1. Adjust the diet of a nursing mother and her child, limit milk consumption, eat green fruits and vegetables and fermented milk products. At an older age, it is necessary to exclude flour products, smoked meats and foods rich in salt from the children's menu.
2. Taking vitamin complexes to support the immune system of a pregnant woman.
3. One of the recommended measures is to limit contact with household chemicals and water.
4. Use of antihistamine ointments or dermatotropic agents.

For the treatment of children, the following drugs may be prescribed:

• Making lotions with boric acid
• Take medications based on calcium, taking into account the reduced content of this microelement, characteristic of this pathology in children.
• The use of ointments containing antibiotics is practiced to relieve the symptoms of a serious infection.
• The use of antihistamines to reduce the intensity of itching.

A set of measures aimed at the recovery of the mother and child should include compliance with personal hygiene standards and maintaining the sanitary condition of the premises.

Psoriasis on the hands

Official medicine classifies hand psoriasis as a chronic disease with multifactorial etiology. This means that the exact causes of the disease have not been established and doctors consider them as possible factors. Doctors classify it as a skin disease based on its main symptoms: red, scaly patches that appear on the skin. But the culprit of the disease is hidden deep within the human body.

During long studies of the mechanism of development of psoriasis, scientists have identified a connection with autoimmune failure.

The first signs of psoriasis appear on the hands in the form of small red papules with clear contours. 2-3 days pass and the papules become covered with scales. A long process of disease progression then begins, marked by periods of exacerbation and remission. Thus, psoriasis that initially appears between the fingers can spread to the entire surface of the palm. Single plaques grow and coalesce, forming a continuous scaly crust. The photo clearly shows what psoriasis looks like on your hands.

The first changes form on the back of the hand, gradually affecting the sides of the hand. Imperceptible at the beginning of the negative process, they lead to an obvious aesthetic defect, when it is already difficult for a person to hide the presence of the disease. What could happen?

Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands

The characteristic symptoms of psoriasis on the hands should be considered in the context of their manifestation on any part of the patient's body. When the lesion begins, small areas of the dermis are affected, but the process does not stop there and over time, plaques can cover the entire hand. General symptoms look like this:

• the appearance of small papules;
• scale formation;
• dryness and peeling of the skin of the hands;
• nail plates lose their natural color, their structure changes;
• signs of skin hyperemia;
• the skin in the affected area becomes reddish;
• pain appears in the joints;
• feelings of internal discomfort.

We have given general signs of the disease, but experts subdivide them according to the stages of the disease.

What forms of the disease exist?

The versatility of the manifestations of psoriasis encountered by doctors forced them to describe the different forms of the disease. Experts have grouped existing species into two main groups: pustular and non-pustular.

The pustular group includes the following forms of the disease:

• generalized;
• similar to annular centrifugal erythema;
• palmoplantar.

The non-pustular group contains:

• classic form of psoriasis with early or late onset;
• psoriatic erythroderma.

The presented classification does not include such types of diseases as seborrheic, exudative type psoriasis, Serviette's disease, atypical and drug-induced psoriasis.

Reasons for the formation of psoriasis on the hands

Of all the places affected by the disease, the hands account for 85% of all diagnoses. Many years of observations of patients suffering from an unpleasant disease have led scientists to conclude that the causes of hand psoriasis depend on the gender and age of the patient.

Psoriasis is extremely rare in black people. A scientific explanation for this fact has not yet been received.

What causes psoriasis on women's hands?

What doctors call genetic predisposition is the main reason. It should be noted that even if the woman's parents did not suffer from psoriasis, someone close to her would likely have received such a diagnosis. Other reasons include:

• climatic characteristics (very humid, cold or hot);
• hormonal imbalances;
• bad habits (alcohol, tobacco, drugs);
• stress and nervous tension;
• taking antibiotics, certain vaccines, overdose of vitamin preparations;
• wounds, burns, cuts.

These same reasons can cause an exacerbation of the disease. It is difficult to eliminate the listed factors from your life, but some of them can be eliminated.

What causes psoriasis on men's hands?

Trying to identify the main ones, doctors were forced to admit that they could not establish them with great accuracy. The basis for the appearance of psoriasis on men's hands is a dysfunction of the immune system, which results in:

• improper metabolism;
• imbalance of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism;
• increased sugar levels;
• cholesterol.

Men who already have people in their family who have suffered from this condition are more likely to develop psoriasis. The reasons may be:

• chronic lack of sleep;
• bad nutrition;
• cold climate.

Those who moved from the south of the country to the north claim that the cold climate causes an exacerbation of the disease and is difficult to treat.

Causes of psoriasis on children's hands

In recent years, cases of diagnosis have become more frequent. It often takes a generalized form, with patches covering large areas of the body. The first thing that is determined as the cause of the disease is a hereditary factor. According to statistics, among parents of patients with psoriasis, the child will inherit the disease in 50% of cases. In addition to genetics, the disease can be caused by:

• childhood infectious diseases (measles, ARVI, tonsillitis);
• stressful situations;
• intense fear, loss of a loved one;
• heatstroke;
• unbalanced diet;
• hypothermia of the body;
• predisposition to allergies.

Diagnosis of the disease

It is enough for a doctor to know what psoriasis on the hands looks like to make an accurate diagnosis. No specific studies are carried out to establish the disease. If the patient claims that the plaques on his hands have appeared for a long time, then the doctor may prescribe additional tests. Their list includes:

• blood biochemistry;
• general blood test to determine the amount of ESR;
• testing for rheumatoid factor and the presence of specific proteins;
• a biopsy performed to detect immature skin cells, accumulations of Rete bodies, macrophages, and T-cell leukocytes.

How to treat hand psoriasis?

Treatment for hand psoriasis depends entirely on the stage of the disease. Although the disease cannot be cured, when using an integrated approach to treatment, the symptoms become almost invisible and remission lasts quite a long time.

External means

At the initial and middle stages of the disease, it is enough to use drugs for external use. These can be creams and ointments of different groups:

• Non-hormonal. As a rule, they do not cause side effects and their effect is mild and gentle.
• Hormonal.

These remedies are used when pronounced symptoms appear (persistent rash, brittle nails) when other ointments do not help. Prescribed only by a doctor, they can have strong side effects. The frequency and duration of use of external agents depends on the severity of symptoms: 1-2 times a day for 10-20 days. After each lesson, a break is obligatory.

Systemic medications

Tablets and injections are prescribed when external medications are ineffective in the late stages of hand psoriasis:

• Tablets: antihistamine, anti-inflammatory. Drugs from the groups of cytostatics, monoclonal antibodies, immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, sedatives and vitamins are also used.
• Injections: antihistamines, hepatoprotectors, immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, hormonal.

The form and type of medication depends on the stage of the disease and the intensity of its manifestations. The use of systemic medications is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.

Physiotherapy and traditional methods

Psoriasis is a long-term illness with many symptoms. The treatment is therefore always complete. Alternative methods can be used:

• Physiotherapy: phototherapy, bioresonance and PUVA therapy, cryotherapy, ozone therapy, ichthyotherapy.
• Folk remedies: birch tar, linseed or sea buckthorn oil, aloe, bay leaf, baking soda, sea salt, etc.

Their purpose and use should also be agreed with a dermatologist.

Use herbs

Many medicinal herbs have the following properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• regenerating;
• antibacterial.

To treat psoriasis of the palms, celandine, St. John's wort, horsetail, oregano, nettle and others are used. An infusion or decoction is prepared from herbs. They are also used to complete the bathroom.

Soda treatment

One of the methods offered by alternative medicine to get rid of psoriasis on the palms is treatment with ordinary baking soda. Its use has the following effect on the affected skin:

• cleaning;
• softening;
• elimination of inflammatory processes;
• improvement of local blood circulation;
• eliminates peeling;
• relieves itching.

The recipe for preparing a solution for external use is quite simple: dilute a certain amount of product in purified water. You should get a pasty, viscous mixture. This product should be applied to areas affected by the disease. No need to rinse.

Prevention: what rules must be respected

It will be easier to cure hand psoriasis if, if possible, the factors that provoke it are eliminated or minimized. In this case, the treatment will be much more effective and the progression of the disease will stop.

Correct treatment, even at an early stage, can only be prescribed by a specialist, so an examination is mandatory. In addition to using all available methods and means: from ointments and creams to injections, tablets and physiotherapy. The doctor will prescribe the order and dosage, but one should not forget about prevention even at the stage of regression. Hands should be treated with great care: use of protective creams and exclusion of aggressive household chemicals.