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 frequent localization of pathology. It begins with the appearance of small plaques and can progress without the right treatment.
Causes and mechanism of development
Psoriatic plaques on the hands, in particular on the fingers, significantly affect the quality of life. Despite the fact that the disease is not contagious, strange skin imperfections are alarming. Psoriasis is not the most pleasant disease, and not only because it looks like it, but also because of the risk of complications.
The exact etiology of the appearance of this dermatological disease has not been clarified. Experts identify risk factors that can affect the development of pathology. It is known that psoriasis is not transmitted by contact, it cannot be infected by contact with the patient.
It is also important that it cannot be completely cured, therefore, throughout life, a person is forced to take supportive agents and carefully monitor the condition of the skin at different times of the year. Frequent exacerbations are observed 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 anomalies;
- long-term use of certain medications, in particular, 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 small joints, between the fingers, near the phalanges. Pathological elements are more visible on the surface of the palms. It is most difficult to treat psoriasis of such localization, because 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 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 who live in unsatisfactory living conditions. The risk group also includes those who, due to their activities, are forced to come into contact with aggressive chemicals.
Clinical manifestations
The first signs at the initial stage of the disease will be single pathological elements in the area of the hands. Plaques can appear on the hands, fingers, and the back of the 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. There are signs of thickening of the epidermis, which resembles calluses.
The main manifestations of psoriasis on the hands will be:
- increased dryness, pronounced redness of the skin;
- thickening of the epidermis, an increase in the volume of the fingers due to edema;
- Cracking when plaque cracks
- sometimes there is a fusion of several elements 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 possibility of scratching the hands with infection, then the symptoms are complemented by signs of inflammation.
Forms of pathology
Psoriasis in the hands can take several forms:
- On fingers. It is manifested by peeling, the formation of plaques, which are often inflamed. Aggravation occurs in winter. It often leads to complications.
- On the brushes. It occurs in 25% of patients, the signs are similar to psoriasis on the fingers, while the skin in the affected area becomes rough, areas of redness appear. The patient complains of constant discomfort, active peeling, itching.
- Palmar-plantar. Occurs in people who are engaged in hard physical labor. The soles and palms are affected. Areas of rough skin resemble solid calluses, and cracks very 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 worried about the soreness of the joints during movement, and then at rest.
- Pustular. Palms and soles are affected. Stress and hormonal pathologies become risk factors. The rash has clear boundaries, and pustules appear. The disease is often recurrent and difficult to treat.
Each form of the disease proceeds in three consecutive stages - initial, progressive and stationary. After one cycle (passing through 3 stages), regression of the disease begins. At this stage, clinical signs almost completely disappear. Treatment is aimed at prolonging the regressive stage as much as possible, otherwise the cycle of the disease repeats itself over and over again.
Differential diagnosis
Psoriasis in the hands is differentiated with pathologies such as lichen planus, Reiter's disease, syphilis, seborrheic and atopic dermatitis.
The hallmark of psoriasis during examination will be the psoriatic triad, by the presence of which the doctor can diagnose. It includes the phenomena of stearin spot, punctate bleeding and terminal film.
Treatment methods
Although psoriasis cannot be completely eliminated, it must be treated to avoid complications and improve quality of life.
The main measures of treatment for psoriasis on the hands:
- the use of care products to moisturize and soften the skin;
- taking antihistamines to relieve itching;
- taking drugs to increase immunity;
- additional use of homeopathic remedies.
For psoriatic lesions, physiotherapy and photochemotherapy may be prescribed. When psoriasis is accompanied by joint diseases, pain relievers from the group of non-steroidal 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 with severe itching, hormonal ointments can be used, they cannot be used without the permission of a doctor.
To soften and moisturize, you can use baby creams for sensitive skin, which contain herbal ingredients.
Prevention 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 agents;
- rejection of bad habits, good sleep and balanced nutrition;
- daily hand skin care using 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 (while bandaging the wound for a long time is not recommended);
- adherence to the Pegano diet, which involves limiting meat dishes, sweets and adding more cereals, vegetables, and herbs to the diet.
Disease prognosis
The unpleasant psoriatic rash on the hands is causing stress for many sufferers. At the same time, experiences only exacerbate the situation. Psoriasis can be in regression for a long time, but for this you need to follow the therapeutic and preventive measures prescribed by the 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 correct the treatment regimen, if the condition requires it.