Psoriasis of the hands

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

• palms.
• 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, but 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 limbs. This complication leads to the development of psoriatic arthritis. This disease is quite dangerous, as it can lead to the development of temporary incapacity and even disability.

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

This form of the disease causes the patient many different inconveniences, since the main foci of the development of this disease cannot be hidden under clothes, and the formation of cracks is accompanied by the appearance of painful sensations.

The lesions themselves are small plaques, pink in color. 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 callus-like formations.

reasons

Among the many factors that can provoke the disease are:

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

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

At the same time, diseases or moments that provoke skin damage in the patient are 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 the climatic conditions of life.
8. In chronic skin diseases.
9. If the patient takes drugs from different pharmacological groups for a long time.

Sometimes the manifestation of the disease can occur if a person uses detergents that strip the skin of its natural coating. It's important to remember that since psoriasis is not contagious, you don't need to be overly concerned about your personal hygiene.

Various factors can cause hand eczema:

• hereditary predisposition;
• weakened immunity;
• disorders 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 drugs (for example, anti-inflammatory drugs);
• clothing of synthetic fabrics;
• rings and bracelets of certain alloys;
• cheap low-quality cosmetics;
• pollen;
• Poplar fluff;
• animal hair;
• insect bites;
• mold;
• home dust;
• helminthic infestations;
• some food products.

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

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

The latest medical research shows a connection 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 diseases;
• liver and kidney pathologies;
• osteoporosis;
• obesity.

Risk factors include the following:

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

You cannot get infected by 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 ruled out. Other causes of hand psoriasis are listed below:

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

Dermatosis is heterogeneous. There are exogenous and endogenous triggers of the disease.

Exogenous factors include environmental temperature fluctuations, bad habits, long-term drug use, infections, injuries, and an atherogenic nutritional profile. Endogenous factors include hereditary predisposition, weakened immunity, stress and sensitization of the body.

Provocative factors cause the development of the pathological process. Modern dermatologists tend to believe that psoriasis of the palms and soles is the result of a combination of several causes.

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

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

When these causes combine, psoriasis occurs. However, the main factor is still genetic: scientists have identified several genes responsible for the onset of the disease.

Factors provoking the appearance of psoriasis:

• stressful situations;
• hazardous productions, especially those with high concentrations of phenols;
• injuries, abrasions, burns: sometimes psoriasis appears in these places;
• alcohol, smoking;
• infections: especially streptococcal;
• wrong choice of certain drugs.

Why does palm psoriasis develop?

Psoriasis can occur in a person regardless of age and gender. However, there are some statistics that show the frequent development of the disease between the ages of 30 and 50.

Scientists have established that the main reason for the development of the disease is the dysfunction of the human immune system and genetic predisposition. However, these facts are not fully proven and to this day the clear causes of psoriasis remain unclear. The main factors that provoke palmar psoriasis include the following causes:

1. Reduced 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 various products in the workplace.
5. Often the cause is diseases such as scarlet fever, chronic tonsillitis, kidney diseases and other diseases.
6. Oncology.

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

The main manifestations of psoriasis of the palms

It is worth noting that this type of disease occurs mainly in people who are engaged in physical work related to stress on their hands. In medical practice, it is customary to distinguish three types of diseases. They include:

1. Plaque-fan-shaped.
2. Circular.
3. Calluses.

Types of psoriasis on the hands

Localization of psoriasis on the hands	Description of the problem
On the palms	Redness of the surface of the skin of the palms, itching, roughening of the upper layer, appearance of calluses. Outwardly, many people confuse palmar psoriasis with mycosis or eczema. To make a correct diagnosis, you need to consult a specialist.
On the hands and fingers	Inflammation, swelling of the fingers, peeling, cracking of the skin, pain and itching.

Depending on the localization of the process and the specific place of the appearance of the primary lesions, several types of psoriasis of the hands are distinguished:

• Pustular - the most dangerous type, affects any skin. First, small spots appear on the phalanges of the fingers and palms, including 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.
• Tear-shaped - the rashes are pale pink, raised, in the shape of small drops. It is localized on the shoulders and forearms, growing and covering a wide area.
• Nails – This type of psoriasis causes changes in the appearance of the nails and the nail bed. "Symptom of the thimble" is observed when the color of the nail plates changes and small depressions and furrows form on them. At the same time, the nails thicken and begin to peel off until they are completely lost.
• Plaka (vulgar) – takes first place in terms of distribution. 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 hands and affect the palms. Palmar psoriasis is characterized by a thickening of the epidermis and the formation of fissuring callus-like tubercles on the surfaceof the dermis.

Stages of the disease

In the initial stage of psoriasis of the hands, even before the appearance of the first rash, the following disorders can be recognized:

1. swelling is observed in the joint area;
2. the skin acquires a reddish hue in places;
3. the 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 peeling.

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

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

Psoriasis of the hands develops gradually. Doctors note that in medicine there are several stages of the disease, which imperceptibly replace each other in the absence of timely therapy. The clinical outcome for the patient depends entirely on the therapeutic measures for timely impact. The development and signs of the different stages of psoriasis of the upper limbs are as follows:

1. Beginning phase. Small round papules have clear borders. Initially, they are single, but 2-3 days after peeling off the dermis, they spread and cover large areas of the lesion.
2. Progressive stage. Painful nodules are distinguished by a bright red hue, and in the center there is peeling of the epidermis with the formation of crusts. Pathology is preceded by microtrauma of the skin.
3. Stationary stage. Sometimes the red rash turns bluish and dries up. The inflammatory process decreases in intensity, itching stops, but there is hyperemia of the skin.
4. Regressive stage. Local manifestations of psoriasis decrease in intensity even after the painful lesions disappear. There is a long period of remission, there is no peeling, but white spots with clear borders are visible.

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

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

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

Features of therapy in pregnant women and children

Due to the weakened immunity of the mother and the immature immune system of the child, the treatment of eczema on the fingers of the hands requires:

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

The following drugs can be prescribed for the treatment of children:

• Preparation of lotions based on boric acid
• Taking calcium-based drugs, given the reduced content of this trace element, characteristic of this pathology in children.
• The use of ointments containing antibiotics is practiced to relieve the symptoms of a severe infection.
• The use of antihistamines to reduce the intensity of itching.

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

Psoriasis of 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 plaques that appear on the skin. But the culprit of the disease is hidden deep in the human body.

In the course of long studies of the mechanism of development of psoriasis, scientists have established a connection with autoimmune deficiency.

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 are covered with scales. Then begins a long process of disease progression, marked by periods of exacerbation and remission. Thus, psoriasis that initially appears between the fingers can spread over the entire surface of the palm. The individual plaques grow and fuse to form 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. Unnoticeable at the beginning of the negative process, they lead to an obvious cosmetic defect, when it is already difficult for a person to hide the presence of the disease. What can happen?

Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands

Symptoms characteristic of psoriasis of 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 end there, and over time the plaques can cover the entire hand. Common 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;
• joint pain appears;
• feeling of internal discomfort.

We gave general signs of the disease, but experts divide them according to the stages of the disease.

What forms of the disease exist?

The variety of manifestations of psoriasis, which doctors are faced with, forces them to describe the different forms of the disease. Experts have combined the 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 includes:

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

The presented classification does not include such types of diseases as seborrheic, exudative, Napkin's disease, atypical and medicinal psoriasis.

Causes of psoriasis on the hands

Among all the places the disease affects, the hands account for 85% of all diagnoses. Many years of observations of patients suffering from an unpleasant disease have led scientists to the conclusion that the causes of hand psoriasis depend on the patient's gender and age.

Psoriasis is extremely rare in blacks. A scientific explanation of this fact has not yet been obtained.

What causes psoriasis on women's hands?

What doctors call genetic predisposition is the main cause. It should be noted that even if the woman's parents did not have psoriasis, it is likely that one of her relatives had such a diagnosis. Other causes include:

• climate characteristics (very humid, cold or hot);
• hormonal imbalance;
• bad habits (alcohol, smoking, drugs);
• stress and nervous tension;
• intake of antibiotics, some vaccines, overdose of vitamin preparations;
• injuries, burns, cuts.

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

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 high accuracy. The basis for the appearance of psoriasis on men's hands is a malfunction of the immune system, which is expressed in:

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

A greater probability of developing psoriasis awaits men who already have people in their family who have suffered from this disease. The reasons can be:

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

Those who have moved from the southern side to the northern region say that the cold climate provokes 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 plaques covering large areas of the body. The first thing that is determined as the cause of the disease is the hereditary factor. According to statistics, in the case of 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;
• strong fear, loss of a loved one;
• heat stroke;
• unbalanced diet;
• hypothermia of the body;
• predisposition to allergies.

Diagnosis of the disease

It is enough for the doctor to know what psoriasis of the hands looks like in order to make an accurate diagnosis. No specific tests are conducted to establish the disease. If the patient says 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;
• research for rheumatoid factor and the presence of specific proteins;
• biopsy performed to detect immature skin cells, accumulations of Rete bodies, macrophages, and T-leukocytes.

How to treat psoriasis on your hands?

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

External means

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

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

These agents are used when severe symptoms appear (constant 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 the use of external means depends on the severity of the symptoms: 1-2 times a day for 10-20 days. A break is required after each course.

Systemic drugs

Tablets and injections are prescribed when external drugs are ineffective in the later stages of hand psoriasis:

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

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

Physiotherapy and traditional methods

Psoriasis is a long-term disease with multifaceted symptoms. Therefore, treatment is always comprehensive. 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 of herbs

Many medicinal herbs have the following properties:

• anti-inflammatory;
• regenerating;
• antibacterial.

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

Treatment with soda

One of the methods that alternative medicine offers to get rid of psoriasis on the palms is the treatment with simple 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 the product in purified water. You should get a viscous slurry. This product should be applied to the affected areas. No need to rinse.

Prevention: what rules should be followed

It will be easier to treat psoriasis of the hands 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 therapy, even at the earliest stage, can only be prescribed by a specialist, so an examination is mandatory. As well as using all available methods and means: from ointments and creams to injections, tablets and physiotherapy. The doctor will prescribe the order and dosage, but we must not forget about prevention even at the stage of regression. Hands should be treated with the greatest care: the use of protective creams and the exclusion of aggressive household chemicals.