Psoriasis in the hands

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

• Palms.
• Areas between the fingers.
• Hands.

Very 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, as it can lead to the development of temporary disability and even disability.

Most people who suffer 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 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 plaques. The plaques stand out strongly on 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.

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;
• 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 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 that cause skin damage in the patient have been identified:

1. Inheritance.
2. Immune system disorders and metabolic problems.
3. Psychoemotional overload.
4. Bad habits and eating disorders.
5. Generalized intoxication.
6. Viruses, bacteria, fungal infections.
7. With a sharp change in climatic living conditions.
8. In case of 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 deprive the skin of its natural cover. It is important to remember that since psoriasis is not contagious, there is no need to worry too much about personal hygiene.

Several factors can cause hand eczema:

• hereditary predisposition;
• weakened immunity;
• alterations 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 of certain alloys;
• cheap low-quality cosmetics;
• pollen;
• poplar fluff;
• animal hair;
• insect bites;
• mold;
• house dust;
• helminthic infestations;
• some food products.

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

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

Recent 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:

• of smoking;
• Alcohol abuse;
• change in climatic conditions.

It cannot be 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 detailed below:

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

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

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

Provoking factors trigger the development of the pathological process. Modern dermatologists tend to consider psoriasis of the palms and soles to be the result of a combination of several triggering factors.

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 onset of the disease.

Factors that cause the appearance of psoriasis:

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

Why does palmar psoriasis develop?

Psoriasis can appear in a person regardless of their age and sex. However, there are some statistics that indicate the frequent development of the disease between the ages of 30 and 50 years.

Scientists have found that the main cause of the development of the disease is the dysfunction of the human immune system and genetic predisposition. However, these facts have not been fully proven and to this day the clear causes of psoriasis remain unclear. The main factors that cause palmar psoriasis include 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 various products at work.
5. Often the cause is diseases such as scarlet fever, chronic tonsillitis, kidney disease 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 perform 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 in the hands.

Location of psoriasis on the hands.	description of the problem
in the palms	Redness of the surface of the skin of the palms, itching, roughness of the upper layer, the appearance of calluses. Externally, many people confuse palmar psoriasis with mycosis or eczema. To make a correct diagnosis it is necessary to consult a specialist.
In 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 location of the appearance of primary lesions, several types of psoriasis of the hands are distinguished:

• Pustular: the most dangerous type, it affects any skin. First, small spots appear on the phalanges of the fingers and palms, affecting 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: The rashes are pale pink, convex and shaped like small droplets. It is located on the shoulders and forearms and grows to cover a wide area.
• Nails: 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 indentations and grooves form on them. At the same time, the nails thicken and begin to fall off, until they are completely lost.
• Plaque (vulgar): ranks first in prevalence. These are typical psoriasis plaques with a tendency to fuse 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 thickening of the epidermis and the formation of cracked, callus-like tubercles on the surface of the dermis.

Stages of the disease

In 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 acquires a reddish tint in places;
3. the nail plates become inflamed.

The following stages of psoriasis on the hands 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 an attenuation of the disease, a change in the color of the psoriatic plaques (they become less red, more white) and a decrease in spots.
3. The remission stage is characterized by the complete disappearance of all signs of psoriasis.

Looking at hands affected by psoriasis 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 early and start treatment of the disease on time.

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

1. Initial stage. Small, round papules have clear boundaries. At first they are solitary, but 2-3 days after peeling of the dermis 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 crusting. The pathology is preceded by microtrauma of the skin.
3. Stationary stage. Rashes that were once red turn bluish and dry. The inflammatory process reduces its intensity, the itching stops, but there is hyperemia of the skin.
4. Regressive stage. Local manifestations of psoriasis reduce the intensity and once the painful lesions disappear. There is a long period of remission, there is 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 and the manifestations of psoriasis intensify.
2. Stationary stage: the manifestations of the disease fade, the spots become pale and decrease in size.
3. Regressive stage (remission): the manifestations disappear completely.

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

Features of therapy in pregnant women and children.

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

1. Adjust the diet of the nursing mother and child, limiting milk intake, eating green fruits and vegetables, and fermented dairy products. At an older age, it is necessary to exclude flour products, smoked meats and foods with high salt content from the children's menu.
2. Take 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 medications can be prescribed:

• Make lotions based on boric acid.
• Take calcium-based medications, 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 the itch.

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

Psoriasis in the hands

Official medicine classifies hand psoriasis as a chronic disease of multifactorial etiology. This means that the exact causes of the disease have not been established and are considered possible factors by doctors. 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 hides deep in the human body.

During long studies on the mechanism of psoriasis development, 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 outlines. 2-3 days pass and the papules become covered with scales. Then begins a long process of disease progression, marked by periods of exacerbation and remission. Thus, psoriasis that initially occurs between the fingers can spread to the entire surface of the palm. The individual plaques grow and fuse, forming a continuous scaly crust. The photo clearly shows what psoriasis looks like on the 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 cosmetic defect, when it is already difficult for a person to hide the presence of the disease. What could happen?

Symptoms of psoriasis in the hands.

The characteristic symptoms of psoriasis on the hands should be considered in the context of its manifestation on any part of the patient's body. When the injury 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. General symptoms look like this:

• the appearance of small papules;
• flake formation;
• dryness and peeling of the skin on the hands;
• nail plates lose their natural color, their structure changes;
• signs of skin hyperemia;
• the skin of 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 that doctors encountered forced 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 erythema centrifugus annulare;
• palmoplantar.

The non-pustular group contains:

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

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

Reasons for the formation of psoriasis on the hands.

Among all the places the disease affects, the hands represent 85% of all diagnoses. Many years of observation of patients suffering from an unpleasant disease have led scientists to the conclusion that the causes of psoriasis on the hands depend on the sex 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 in women's hands?

What doctors call genetic predisposition is the main reason. It is noteworthy that even if the woman's parents did not suffer from psoriasis, one of her relatives probably had that diagnosis. Other reasons include:

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

These same reasons can provoke 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 in the hands of men?

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

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

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

• chronic lack of sleep;
• poor nutrition;
• Cold weather.

Those who moved from the southern country to the northern region say that the cold climate causes an exacerbation of the disease and is difficult to treat.

Causes of psoriasis in children's hands.

In recent years, cases of diagnosis have become more frequent. It often takes a generalized form, with plates 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;
• severe 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 says that the plaques on his hands have appeared for a long time, the doctor may prescribe additional tests. Your 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 is performed to detect immature skin cells, accumulations of Rete bodies, macrophages, and T leukocytes.

How to treat psoriasis in the hands?

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

External media

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

• Non-hormonal. As a rule, they do not produce side effects and their effect is mild and delicate.
• 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 the use of external agents depends on the severity of the symptoms: 1-2 times a day for 10-20 days. After each course a break is required.

Systemic medications

Tablets and injections are prescribed when external medications are not effective in the later stages of hand psoriasis:

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

The form and type of drug depend 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 disease with multifaceted symptoms. Therefore, the 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.

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

Using 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 add to 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 the product in purified water. You should get a slimy, soft mixture. This product should be applied to areas affected by diseases. No need to rinse.

Prevention: what rules to follow

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

Correct therapy, even at the earliest stage, can only be prescribed by a specialist, therefore 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 we must not forget about prevention even in the regression stage. Hands must be treated with extreme care: the use of protective creams and the exclusion of aggressive household chemicals.