Everyone who has encountered such a disease as psoriasis knows very well that, first of all, the disease manifests itself in those areas of the skin that experience the greatest friction and pressure, on the buttocks, in the knee and elbow bends. Approximately a quarter of patients with psoriasis complain to the doctor that they have psoriatic plaques mainly on the palms and feet. In such cases, doctors diagnose not just psoriasis, but with a specification of its type – palmar-plantar psoriasis . 

At first glance, you may not recognize this type of psoriasis, as it is very similar to eczema, secondary syphilis and mycosis. Signs of the disease are a thickened epidermis, hyperkeratosis, which is characterized by coarsening of the upper layers of the skin, resulting in the formation of callus-like red seals that become covered over time with cracks. To accurately determine the diagnosis, specialists conduct a serological examination of the skin and a skin biopsy.

Symptoms, principles of treatment of palmar-plantar psoriasis

As mentioned above, the skin on the feet and palms becomes slightly thicker than on the rest of the body. Scientists have proven that the composition of the skin affected by psoriasis includes a certain type of keratin. Initially, palmar-plantar psoriasis is manifested by rashes consisting of so-called pustules. The pustules are filled with a transparent substance that gradually turns white and then transforms into dark-colored scars.  

If suddenly only the palms or only the feet are affected, then this is a completely different type of psoriasis.

The first thing to think about when psoriasis occurs is how to protect the affected skin areas. That is why you need to be very careful about your palms and feet, it is advisable to reduce mechanical friction on shoes and socks, and take good care of your skin.

To reduce itching, a hydrocolloid coating is prescribed, which contributes to the rapid tightening of wounds. The list of recommended vitamins and drugs includes: vitamins (D group), retonoids and glucocorticoids . In severe cases, if medications do not help, doctors treat palmar-plantar psoriasis with PUVA therapy and other methods of hardware physiotherapy.  

The life of people with psoriasis

People who have contracted any disease feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable in society, regardless of whether they are sick, flu or psoriasis. But we all know perfectly well that abdominal pain or headaches have practically no effect on a person’s appearance. Unfortunately, the symptoms of psoriasis are visible to everyone around you. That is why it is much more difficult for people with psoriasis from a psychological point of view. Patients try to hide the skin changes that have occurred as a result of psoriasis. In winter, a person is dressed denser and he has the opportunity to hide foci of inflammation under his clothes, but in summer this is not possible.

Psoriatic plaques can constantly either hurt or itch – all this brings discomfort to a person. A person with psoriasis feels like an outcast among others, catches sidelong glances, feels his own inferiority.

From a practical point of view, the life of people with palmoplantar psoriasis is also not changing for the better. The palms of the hands have changed during the course of the disease, hardened, and this brings inconvenience even with ordinary dressing. Unpleasant sensations and pain arise when a person prepares food, washes dishes, washes, etc.

But no matter what, remember that you have people in your life who will help, support you. Ignore others, live a full life for yourself and your family, be yourself. Psoriasis is not a sentence! Currently, there are many effective methods to treat psoriasis symptoms, and all that is required of you is patience and consideration for your own health.