Plaque lesions on the skin of the hands are the most common manifestation of scaly lichen. Psoriasis on the hands is a chronic disease that significantly impairs a person's quality of life. It has distinctive symptoms, as well as many prerequisites for its development.
Causes of psoriasis on hands
What causes a rash in the form of rough patches on the palms and on the flexor muscles of the upper extremities? it's not always easy to understand right away. The main causes of psoriasis on the hands are:
- hereditary predisposition to disease;
- the results of infectious diseases, viruses and colds;
- metabolic disorders and hormonal pathologies (diabetes);
- stressful situations, nervous breakdowns, strong emotions;
- frequent exposure to harsh chemicals (household chemicals, cosmetics);
- skin trauma (scratches, wounds, abrasions, abrasions).
People who are prone to allergic reactions are at increased risk of developing psoriatic psoriasis. In addition, malnutrition, alcohol and tobacco abuse, and prolonged use of antidepressants and steroid drugs can cause scaly lichen.
Manifestations of symptoms
In adults, psoriasis begins on the elbows and hands. The first sign can be noticed in the elongated part, when small flat papules appear, then gradually increase in size, forming round, rough patches of light pink or red color. Moreover, the rash appears on the palms. The skin becomes dry, thickened, dark red, and sometimes cracked.
The growth of psoriasis on the fingers can reach the fingernails. At first, small pits form on them, and over time the nail thickens, peels off, and resembles a fungal infection. So people often wonder if scaly lichen is contagious? Psoriasis is a chronic disease that is not spread by shaking hands or other contact. The predisposition to the disease can be hereditary, but not the disease itself.
Another symptom of scaly lichen is the appearance of scaly patches between the fingers. The skin in these places is callous-like, rough, and equally rough.
Types of psoriasis on the hands
The nature of the process and clinical manifestations of scaly lichen are varied. The rash affects not only the hands but also the shoulders, neck, and chest, especially if the child has it. Hand psoriasis is the most common type of dermatosis, and can occur in several basic forms, described below.
Plaque or common
The skin in the affected areas becomes denser, covered with white scales and cracks, sometimes bleeding. The plaques join together in clumps to form large lesions.
Teardrop-shaped
The rash usually affects the upper arms and shoulders. These patches are densely covered with white scales and look like water droplets. This type of psoriasis quickly spreads throughout the body, affecting the forearms and hips. It is aggravated mainly after ingestion of streptococcus (the causative agent of tonsillitis, tonsillitis, ARVI).
Lichen scaly or purulent
It is localized on the arms, has a severe course - numerous vesicles with clear fluid, purulent processes, as well as the exit of the rash outside the upper extremities.
Psoriasis of the nails
This shape is characterized by the appearance of white or gray vertical or horizontal lines. The skin around the plaque thickens, and the nail sloughs off on its own, resulting in further nail damage.
Each form of scaly hand will clearly show in the photo.
If you don't start treatment for hand psoriasis in time, the disease can cause arthritis (psoriatic arthritis). The rash may spread to other areas of the body (head, legs, back, abdomen, chest).
Stages of skin disease
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that has a specific sequence of development. Depending on the intensity of the manifestation of the disease and the frequency of recurrence, the disease has 3 main stages:
- progressive - early stage - the appearance of several scaly nodules on the hands, shoulders, between the fingers and the extension of the elbows, accompanied by edema, inflammation, itching;
- quiescent phase - the new rash does not occur, and the old patches are densely covered with white scales, the affected areas cease to itch (the disease freezes in one place);
- regressive stage - symptoms begin to disappear (papules turn pale, dry patches disappear, skin clears, leaving only small dark spots).
In remission, psoriasis can range from 2-4 months to several years. New flares worsen each time, resulting in the stratum corneum on the hands, elbows, between the fingers, and around the fingernails gradually becoming coarser and thicker.
Drug treatment
Although scaly lichen is not contagious, it can bring a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. The main goal of drug therapy is to improve the patient's general condition:
- eliminate peeling and itching;
- reduce inflammation;
- skin soothing.
Therapy should be comprehensive and include several different classes of drugs for external and internal use.
- Hormonal - reduces inflammation, irritation, swelling, itching and pain, reduces the exudative papules in exudative psoriasis. In addition, the ointment eliminates allergic manifestations.
- Non-hormonal ointments - zinc, salicylic ointment - relieve the main symptoms, have no side effects, are gentle on the skin, but are less effective than glucocorticosteroid (hormonal) drugs.
- Homeopathy - used for severe cases of peeling, itching, helps in the period of joint damage.
Homeopathy is effective only if it is selected correctly, taking into account all the nuances of the disease process and the features of the patient's body.
In the case of weak results due to topical drugs, the doctor may prescribe systemic therapy in the form of injections and oral. The drug prevents the intensive division of skin cells, detoxifies the body, thereby eliminating the main symptoms, helps to improve the quality of life.
In addition to the main drugs aimed at suppressing psoriasis, complex therapy uses funds to support the whole body:
- vitamin;
- hepatoprotectors - hepatoprotectors;
- sorbent - cleanses the intestines of toxins and poisons;
- antihistamines;
- immunomodulatory drugs.
A specialist will determine which form of psoriasis is better to treat. He will combine drugs for maximum effect and no harm to your body in general.
Folk remedies
Patients are often interested in how to treat psoriasis at home. In the fight against scaly lichen of the hands, herbal preparations and healing baths will help a lot. In addition, folk remedies help to enhance the effect of the drug and move the disease into remission.
Celandine bath
Pour chopped grass (100 g) with 3 liters of boiling water and leave for 1–1. 5 hours. Pour the filtered liquid into a hot water bath (37-40 degrees). The time to perform once does not exceed 15 minutes.
The course of treatment 10-12 sessions, can be done daily.
Harvest herbs to use water
It is necessary to mix in equal proportions (50 g each):
- St. John's wort;
- Sage;
- valerian root;
- celandine;
- succession.
Boil 30 g of the collection in 250 ml of water for 5 minutes. Let the broth brew for 1. 5-2 hours, filter the water and put it in a large bath.
Herbal baths calm the progression of the disease, soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and flaking, and most importantly, prevent further spread of plaques.
Propolis ointment
Melt 300 g butter, add 20 g chopped propolis, boil everything until form a single paste. With the cooled ointment complete, treat the affected areas on the hands. The product is also suitable for compression. Apply a small amount of medicine to a cotton pad, cover the injured area, and secure with a bandage.
Before using the ointment, you need to treat the plaques with hydrogen peroxide and wait until they dry. This will enhance the effect of folk remedies.
Birch resin
For 30–45 days, you need to apply birch oil to the affected skin areas of the hands. It is better to do this an hour before going to bed. This substance will stay on the skin for at least 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Gradually, the residence time of the tar on the plate increased to 30 minutes.
This drug is most effective in the treatment of skin diseases. A folk method that well eliminates unpleasant symptoms and prolongs remission for a long time.
Prevention of psoriasis on hands
The hands are more prone to rashes than other areas of the skin. The disease is difficult to treat because the hands are often exposed to provoking factors. To achieve long-term remission, it is important to adhere to the following precautions:
- do not let the skin dry out;
- use household chemicals with gloves;
- use specially selected hand creams;
- avoid contact with aggressive substances;
- immediately seek medical help when the first rash occurs;
- do not abuse alcohol and smoke.
In the prevention of psoriasis on the hands, it is necessary to pay attention to proper nutrition. Fried, smoked, salty, fatty, spicy foods should be excluded from the diet. Do not bring chocolate and flour products. It is better to cook, steam or bake foods, and heat red-pigmented fruits and vegetables (cherries, strawberries, tomatoes) for heat treatment.
Psoriatic rashes on the hands tend to recur. The disease cannot be cured, but only temporarily relieved. Psoriasis remission time depends on the correct treatment and prevention. Monitor your lifestyle, adhere to your diet, avoid stress and promptly treat the first manifestations of the disease.