The most common manifestations of scaly lichen are plaque lesions on the skin of the hands. Psoriasis of the hands is a chronic disease that dramatically impairs a person's quality of life. It has peculiar symptoms, as well as many prerequisites for development.
Causes of psoriasis on the hands
What causes a rash in the form of rough patches on the palms and in the flexion areas of the upper limbs? it is not always easy to understand right away. The main causes of psoriasis on the hands are:
- hereditary tendency to disease;
- the result of infections, viruses and colds;
- metabolic disorders and hormonal pathologies (diabetes mellitus);
- stressful situations, nervous breakdowns, emotional upheavals;
- frequent contact with aggressive chemicals (household chemicals, cosmetics);
- skin lesions (abrasions, wounds, abrasions, scratches).
People prone to allergic reactions are at risk of developing psoriatic psoriasis. In addition, malnutrition, alcohol and tobacco abuse, prolonged use of antidepressants and steroids can cause scaly lichen.
Symptoms of manifestation
In adults, psoriasis begins in the elbows and hands. The first signs are noticeable on the extensor part, when small, flat papules appear, which eventually grow in size, forming rough, round patches of a pale pink or red color. In addition, the rash appears on the palms. The skin becomes dry, thickened, acquires a dark red color, and sometimes cracks.
The development of psoriasis on the fingers can affect the fingernails. At first, minor pits form on them, and over time the nail plate thickens, peels off and looks like a fungal infection. Therefore, people often wonder if scaly lichen is contagious? Psoriasis is a chronic disease that cannot be spread through a handshake or other contact. A propensity for the disease can be transmitted genetically, but not the disease itself.
Another symptom of scaly lichen is the appearance of plaques with scales between the fingers. The skin in these places looks like calluses, the same rough and rough.
Forms of psoriasis of the hands
The nature of the course and clinical manifestations of squamous lichen are very diverse. The rash can affect not only the hands, but also the shoulders, neck, chest, especially if the child has the disease. Psoriasis of the hands is the most common type of skin condition and can occur in several basic forms, described below.
Plate or common
The skin in the affected areas becomes denser, covered with white crusts and cracks, which sometimes bleed. The plaques merge into groups, forming large lesions.
Teardrop shape
The rash most commonly affects the upper arms and shoulders. The plaques are densely covered with white scales and resemble drops. This type of psoriasis spreads quickly throughout the body, affecting the forearms and hips. It worsens mainly after ingestion of streptococcus (causative agent of tonsillitis, tonsillitis, ARVI).
Exudative or pustular scaly lichen
It is localized on the forearms, has a severe course - several blisters with clear fluid, purulent processes, as well as the exit of the rash outside the upper extremities.
Psoriasis of the nails
This form is characterized by the appearance of longitudinal or transverse lines of white or gray tint. The skin around the plaque thickens, and the nail itself exfoliates and peels off, resulting in its further destruction.
The appearance of each shape of scaly hands is clearly visible in the photo.
If you do not start treatment for psoriasis of the hands on time, the disease can cause inflammation of the joints (psoriatic arthritis). The rash can spread to other parts of the body (head, legs, back, abdomen, chest).
Stages of skin disease
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that has a specific developmental sequence. Depending on the intensity of the manifestations of the disease and the frequency of relapses, there are 3 main stages of the disease:
- progressive - the initial stage - the appearance of several scaly papules on the hands, shoulders, between the fingers and in the extension of the elbows, which are accompanied by edema, inflammation, itching;
- stationary stage - new rashes do not occur, and the old patches are densely covered with white scales, the affected areas stop itching (the disease freezes in one place);
- the regression stage - the symptoms begin to disappear (the papules turn pale, the dry patches dissolve, the skin is cleansed, only minor dark spots remain).
In remission, psoriasis can last from 2 to 4 months to several years. The new relapses are more severe each time, resulting in progressive enlargement and thickening of the stratum corneum on the hands, elbows, between the fingers and around the nail plates.
Pharmacy treatment
Scaly lichen, although not a contagious disease, brings a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. The main objective of drug treatment is to improve the general condition of the patient:
- eliminate peeling and itching;
- relieve inflammation;
- soothe the skin.
Therapy should be comprehensive and include several different groups of drugs for external and internal use.
- Hormonal - relieves inflammation, irritation, swelling, itching and pain, reduces papules with fluid in exudative psoriasis. In addition, ointments eliminate allergic manifestations.
- Non-hormonal - zinc ointment, salicylic ointment - relieves main symptoms, does not cause side effects, works gently on the skin, but is less effective than glucocorticoid (hormonal) drugs.
- Homeopathic - used for severe peeling, itching, helps during the period of joint damage.
Homeopathy is effective only if correctly selected, taking into account all the nuances of the course of the disease and the characteristics of the patient's body.
In case of a poor result of local drugs, the doctor may prescribe systemic treatment in the form of injections and pills. The drugs suppress the intensive division of skin cells, detoxify the body, thereby eliminating the main symptoms, which helps to improve the quality of life.
In addition to the main drugs aimed at inhibiting psoriasis, complex therapy uses funds to support the whole body:
- vitamins;
- liver support drugs - hepatoprotectors;
- absorbents - cleanse the intestines of toxins and poisons;
- antihistamines;
- immunomodulators.
To better treat this or that form of psoriasis, the specialist will determine. It will combine drugs to achieve maximum effect and not harm your body as a whole.
Folk remedies
Patients are often interested in how to cure psoriasis at home. In the fight against scaly lichen on the hands, herbal preparations and healing baths help well. In addition, folk remedies help to improve the action of drugs and the passage of the disease to the stage of remission.
chelidin baths
Pour the chopped grass (100 g) with 3 liters of boiling water and leave for 1 to 1. 5 hours. Pour the filtered liquid into a warm bath (37-40 degrees). The duration of a procedure does not exceed 15 minutes.
The duration of treatment is 10 to 12 sessions, which can be performed daily.
Collection of herbs for water handling
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 infuse for 1. 5-2 hours, strain and add to a large bath container.
Herbal baths help the disease progress, soothe the skin, reduce inflammation and scaling, and most importantly, stop the spread of plaques.
Propolis ointment
Melt 300 g of butter, add 20 g of chopped propolis, boil everything until a unique consistency is obtained. With the finished cooled ointment, treat the affected areas on the hands. The product is also suitable for compresses. Apply a small amount of the medicine to a cotton ball, apply to the injured areas, fix with a bandage.
Before using the ointment, you need to treat the plaques with hydrogen peroxide and wait for them to dry. This will enhance the effect of the folk remedy.
Birch tar
For 30-45 days, you need to lubricate the affected areas of the hands with birch tar. It is best to do this an hour before bedtime. The substance should remain on the skin for at least 10 minutes, after which it is washed off with lukewarm water. Gradually, the residence time of the tars on the plates is increased to 30 minutes.
This drug is most effective in treating skin conditions. A folk remedy well eliminates unpleasant symptoms and prolongs the period of remission for a long time.
Prevention of psoriasis on the hands
The hands more often than other areas of the skin suffer from rashes. The disease is difficult to treat due to the constant contact of the hands with provoking factors. To achieve long-term remission, it is important to adhere to the preventive measures:
- do not let the skin dry out;
- use household chemicals with gloves;
- use specially selected hand creams;
- avoid contact with aggressive substances;
- seek medical help promptly when the first rashes appear;
- do not abuse alcohol and tobacco.
In the prevention of psoriasis of the hands, special attention should be paid to proper nutrition. Fried, smoked, salty, fatty and spicy foods should be excluded from the diet. It is not recommended to get carried away by chocolate and flour products. It is better to cook, steam or cook food and heat fruits and vegetables with red pigment (cherries, strawberries, tomatoes) for heat treatment.
Psoriatic rashes on the hands tend to recur. The disease is not curable, but only goes into remission temporarily. How long psoriasis lasts depends on the correct treatment and prevention. Watch your lifestyle, stick to your diet, avoid stress and treat the first manifestations of the disease in time.