Psoriasis on the hands is a chronic inflammatory disease, manifested by a specific lesion of the skin and nail plates. The disease has an undulating course, in which the exacerbation of the disease is independently replaced by a decrease in the severity of symptoms (remission).
Causes of psoriasis on the hands
The exact causes of the disease are not known for certain. However, studies show that some disturbances in the functioning of the body can become the impetus for its appearance and development. Among them:
- disruption of the immune system, supporting the inflammatory process in the skin
- genetic predisposition, the disease can be inherited);
- disturbances in the work of the nervous system (including severe or prolonged stress).
- transferred infectious diseases (tonsillitis);
- disorders in the endocrine system (obesity, diabetes, etc.)
The course of psoriasis on the hands can be influenced by an unhealthy lifestyle. For example, the abuse of alcohol and cigarettes often lead to an exacerbation of the disease.
On the network you can find and study photos with the first symptoms. However, with psoriasis, a photo of the initial stage on the hands of the cause of the disease does not reflect.
With psoriasis, specific rashes appear on the hands:
- separate pinkish-red spots of a rounded shape (clearly visible already with psoriasis on the hands of the initial stage), merging over time into larger rashes
- silvery scales appear on the surface of the rashes;
- itching or burning.
Most often, psoriasis on the hands is located on the extensor surfaces of the elbow joints, the outer surface of the forearms and in the palms.
Psoriasis on the palms has some features. The disease is manifested by persistent redness of the palmar surface of the hands, the appearance of areas of pronounced thickening of the skin and deep, painful cracks in the area under the thumb and little finger.
In about half of patients, psoriasis additionally affects the nail plates. The characteristic manifestations of psoriasis of the nail plates include: the appearance of small depressions in the form of dots, the size of a needle prick (they are clearly visible in the photo of the symptoms on the hands, as psoriasis begins);
- thickening of the nail plate and its partial separation from the nail bed;
- increased fragility of nails, their fragility;
- nail plates become whitish, yellowish or red-orange;
- an inflammatory process may develop around the nail;
Sometimes inflammation can affect the nail plate itself or the skin underneath. With this type of psoriasis, photos of symptoms on the hands are less common.
Stages of psoriasis on the hands
Psoriasis develops in stages. There are three stages in total:
- Initial or progressive. Small spots up to 6 mm each are found on the hands. There are only a few of them. The color of the formations is pink or red. The patient may experience slight itching or burning. In the case of psoriasis, photos of the initial stage on the hands will demonstrate the problem better than the description.
- Stationary. The spots are getting bigger. They increase in size and sometimes merge with each other, forming larger plaques. On top of the rash, peeling and silvery scales are visible, which are easily removed.
- Regressive. The rash decreases and gradually goes away on its own. May leave a patch of red or a lighter color compared to the surrounding skin.
If left untreated, plaques can significantly increase in area and affect not only the hands, but other parts of the body.
The manifestations of psoriasis on the hands of children and adults are practically the same.
Psoriatic rashes in adults can affect any area of the hands. As mentioned above, in 50% of cases, the disease affects the nails, which is much more common than in children.
As a rule, in adult patients, the disease lasts longer. External symptoms may be more pronounced. With psoriasis on the hands, photos will better demonstrate the situation, especially the initial stages.
Treatment of psoriasis on the hands
With psoriasis on the hands, treatment is complex.
Therapy may include:
- Hormonal preparations. The most commonly used local (external) forms. These funds are highly effective and fast effect. Given the chronic nature of the disease, the use of hormonal drugs should be limited in time and be under the supervision of a physician to prevent the development of side effects.
- Non-hormonal drugs. External preparations are used in the form of ointments and creams. The main active substances from this group include salicylic acid, Naftalan oil, birch tar, urea, D – panthenol and others. These drugs are safe for long-term use and are used for any form and severity of the disease. Means soothe the skin, moisturize and eliminate peeling
- Physiotherapy. Phototherapy (UVB, PUVA) and excimer laser are widely used. Often, physiotherapy is combined with external and drug treatment and enhance its effect.
In severe psoriasis on the hands and the ineffectiveness of the treatment, more active therapy is prescribed. You can see a photo of what psoriasis looks like on the hands in severe cases. Such cases require the appointment of immunosuppressive therapy (methotrexate, apremilast , ustekinumab , cyclosporine) or systemic retinoids ( acitretin ).
For clarity, you can study the photo of psoriasis on the hands, symptoms and treatment are often interrelated.
Treatment of psoriasis of the nails on the hands is often carried out only with local preparations.
Treatment of psoriasis on the hands of folk remedies
The effectiveness of folk remedies has not been proven. It is worth remembering that many natural remedies are strong allergens. This can greatly aggravate the situation. Therefore, homemade recipes should be approached with caution. And before treating psoriasis on the hands with their help, be sure to consult a doctor.
Complex therapy of psoriasis on the hands using the line of funds ” Losterin “
Losterin is a line of non-hormonal drugs used in the complex therapy of various skin diseases. Widely used in all stages of psoriasis. It has eight external forms of release: classic naftalan cream , thick emulsion, shampoo, shower gel, paste, foot cream, lotion, hand cream-soap. All products have a balanced composition and gently act on the affected skin, weakening and relieving symptoms.
- As a result of using the Losterin line : inflammation, redness, itching and flaking are significantly reduced;
It is also worth noting that Losterin is a non-hormonal agent and is not addictive. There are no fragrances and dyes in the composition.
best result can be achieved using the Losterin line in complex therapy as prescribed by a doctor.
Preventive measures for psoriasis on the hands
Prevention measures should concern not only psoriasis of the skin of the hands, but also nails. The rash may spread to them.
Basic rules to follow:
- Regular skin hydration. For this, special creams are used. Without dyes and fragrances. Preferably on a natural basis. An example is Losterin cream . Its composition is based on naftalan deresined , D- panthenol , salicylic acid, almond oil and urea The components of the cream soften the epidermis and have high nutritional properties.
- Care of the nail plate. Nutrition and hydration. You can use pure esters of lemon, orange and lavender. They prevent splitting.
- Exclusion of irritating factors. Especially during an exacerbation. The use of decorative cosmetics should be limited. Reduce contact with household chemicals, and wear gloves during household chores. In cold weather, you need to protect your hands from wind and frost with woolen and leather gloves.
If you follow these rules and consult a doctor in time, the likelihood of a relapse is markedly reduced.