Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that cannot be completely cured. The disease requires symptomatic treatment to reduce the severity of manifestations and improve health. Hand psoriasis is a common pathological location. It starts with the appearance of small plaques and can progress without proper treatment.
Reasons and mechanisms of development
Psoriasis plaques on the hands, especially on the fingers, can significantly affect the quality of life. Although the disease is not contagious, the strange skin defect is worrying. Psoriasis is not the most pleasant disease, not only because it looks like it, but also because it carries the risk of complications.
The exact cause of this skin disease has not yet been elucidated. Experts determine the risk factors that may affect the development of pathology. As we all know, psoriasis does not spread through contact, nor is it infected through contact with patients.
It is also important that it cannot be completely cured, so during a lifetime, a person is forced to take support agents and carefully monitor the skin condition at different times of the year. Frequent attacks in spring and winter. Scientists include the following factors in the development of the disease:
- Genetic predisposition;
- Immune deficiency, the body's protective function declines;
- Frequent skin damage from viruses, fungi, and bacteria;
- Drastic changes in climatic conditions;
- Chronic skin diseases, including congenital abnormalities;
- Long-term use of certain drugs, especially anticonvulsants, antidepressants and steroid hormones;
- Mental and emotional overload;
- Disorders of metabolism in the body.
Psoriasis plaques on the hands began to appear in the small joint areas, between the fingers, and near the phalanges. Pathological components are more obvious on the surface of the palm. This type of localized psoriasis is the most difficult to treat because the hands are often exposed to household chemicals and other irritants.
Risk Group
The risk groups for this disease include men and women who often face other skin diseases. When there are already cases of psoriasis in the family, the possibility of this disease increases.
People with weakened immunity and people with unsatisfactory living conditions may develop pathology. The risk group also includes those who are forced to come into contact with corrosive chemicals due to their activities.
Clinical manifestations
The first sign of the early stage of the disease will be a single pathological element in the hand area. Plaques may appear on the back of hands, fingers, and palms. If the nail is involved in the pathological process, there is a risk of loss of sensitivity and tissue edema.
Increased dryness of the skin can lead to cracking of the palms. There are signs of thickening of the epidermis, similar to calluses.
The main manifestations of hand psoriasis are:
- Increased dryness and visible redness of the skin;
- Thickening of the epidermis, increased finger volume due to edema;
- Cracking when plaque cracks
- Sometimes, the fusion of several elements can damage healthy skin.
In winter and autumn, when cold days prevail, the disease manifests as severe peeling of the skin. Without treatment, you may scratch your hands due to infection, and signs of inflammation will complement the symptoms.
Pathological form
There are many forms of hand psoriasis:
- On the finger. It manifests as peeling, plaque formation, and is usually inflamed. The aggravation occurs in winter. It often leads to complications.
- On the brush. It occurs in 25% of patients, and the symptoms are similar to psoriasis on the fingers, and the skin on the affected area becomes rough and reddened areas appear. The patient complained of persistent discomfort, active peeling, and itching.
- Palm and plantar. It is more common for people who are engaged in heavy physical labor. The soles and palms of the feet are affected. Rough skin areas resemble solid calluses and often cracks.
- Joint disease. Psoriasis occurs in the context of joint damage. The components of the rash are located in the phalanx. In addition to external manifestations, the patient is worried about joint soreness during exercise and then rests.
- Pustules. The palms and soles of the feet are affected. Stress and hormonal pathology become risk factors. The rash has clear borders and pustules appear. The disease often recurs and is difficult to treat.
Each form of disease progresses in three consecutive stages-the initial stage, the progressive stage, and the stationary stage. After one cycle (through 3 stages), the disease begins to subside. At this stage, the clinical symptoms have almost completely disappeared. The purpose of treatment is to prolong the degeneration stage as much as possible, otherwise the cycle of disease will repeat itself again and again.
Differential diagnosis
Hand psoriasis is distinguished from pathologies such as lichen planus, Wright's disease, syphilis, seborrheic dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.
During the examination, the sign of psoriasis will be the psoriasis triad, and the doctor can diagnose it through this triad. It includes stearic plaques, spotting and end-membrane phenomena.
treatment method
Although psoriasis cannot be completely eliminated, it must be treated to avoid complications and improve the quality of life.
The main measures to treat hand psoriasis:
- Use care products to moisturize and soften the skin;
- Take antihistamines to relieve itching;
- Take drugs to improve immunity;
- Additional use of homeopathy.
For psoriatic lesions, physical therapy and photochemotherapy can be prescribed. When psoriasis is accompanied by joint disease, use analgesics among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Depending on the stage of the disease, a dermatologist will prescribe topical anti-inflammatory drugs. It can be salicylic acid, ichthyol, sulfur tar ointment. In order to quickly relieve the symptoms of severe itching, hormone ointment can be used, which should not be used without the permission of a doctor.
To soften and moisturize, you can use a sensitive skin baby cream containing herbal ingredients.
Precaution
General preventive measures to prevent exacerbation of hand psoriasis:
- When you need to come into contact with cleaners and cleaners, use rubber gloves when cleaning the house;
- Reject bad habits, good sleep and balanced nutrition;
- Use natural cosmetics or pharmaceutical preparations for daily hand skin care;
- Sunbathing often, sunbathing at home often, and walking in the fresh air to avoid stress;
- Treat the skin with antiseptic in case of accidental damage (it is not recommended to dress the wound for a long time);
- Adhere to the Pegano diet, including limiting meat dishes, sweets, and adding more grains, vegetables, and herbs to your diet.
Disease prognosis
The unpleasant psoriasis rash on the hands puts pressure on many patients. At the same time, experience only worsens the situation. Psoriasis may go away for a long time, but for this you need to follow the treatment and preventive measures prescribed by your doctor.
It is impossible to get rid of psoriasis completely, but proper skin care, adherence to diet and use of special creams will hide the symptoms of the disease as much as possible. Regardless of the manifestation of the disease, it is recommended to see a dermatologist every few months to monitor the dynamics of the disease and correct the treatment plan when the condition requires it.