Palmoplantar psoriasis is a skin disease that affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Another name for this skin disease is palmoplantar pustular psoriasis. While this is a chronic condition, that cannot be cured, there are ways to treat it. Treating palmoplantar psoriasis can help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.
Palmoplantar Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, Treatment
Palmoplantar psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It is characterized by thick, scaly, red patches of skin that can be painful and itchy. The exact cause of palmoplantar psoriasis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to immune system dysfunction. There is no cure for psoriasis, but treatment options can help reduce symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. These include topical creams and ointments, oral medications, and phototherapy or light therapy.
Causes
The exact cause of palmoplantar psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to an immune system problem. Researchers believe that in people with psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to reproduce more quickly than normal. This leads to the buildup of thick, scaly patches of skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
Other factors that may contribute to the development of palmoplantar psoriasis include:
- Genetics: There is a strong genetic component to psoriasis, so people with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it themselves.
- Trauma or injury to the skin: Trauma or injury to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, or burns, can trigger the development of psoriasis.
- Certain medications, such as lithium and beta-blockers, can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms.
- Smoking: Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis, and people who smoke are more likely to develop severe psoriasis.
- Stress: Stress can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms.
Not everyone who develops palmoplantar psoriasis will have these risk factors, and many people with the condition will have no known risk factors.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of palmoplantar psoriasis include thick, scaly, red patches of skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. These patches may also be painful and itchy. The skin on the palms and soles may also crack and bleed. In severe cases, the skin on the palms and soles may become thickened and develop deep cracks or fissures. Other symptoms that may accompany palmoplantar psoriasis include burning or stinging sensations in the affected areas and difficulty moving the fingers or toes due to the thickened skin.
Risks
Palmoplantar psoriasis can have several risks associated with it. Some of these include:
- Physical limitations: The thickened, scaly patches of skin can make it difficult to move the fingers and toes, making it challenging to perform daily tasks such as buttoning clothes or tying shoelaces.
- Social isolation: The appearance of the skin for patients affected by palmoplantar psoriasis can be embarrassing and cause people to feel self-conscious, leading to social isolation and depression.
- Secondary infection: The cracks and fissures caused by palmoplantar psoriasis can become infected leading to cellulitis, a severe skin infection that requires medical attention.
- Increased risk of psoriatic arthritis: People with psoriasis, including palmoplantar psoriasis, have an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints and tendons.
- Increased risk of other health problems: People with psoriasis, including palmoplantar psoriasis, may have an increased risk of other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
It's important to talk to a doctor if you have symptoms of palmoplantar psoriasis because early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications.
Holistic Treatment of Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Several holistic treatment options may help reduce the symptoms of palmoplantar psoriasis. These include:
- Diet: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Some people find that avoiding certain foods, such as gluten (a protein found in many foods, especially wheat), alcohol, dairy, nightshade vegetables, including peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, can help improve their psoriasis symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve overall health. Gentle exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, may particularly benefit people with psoriasis.
- Relaxation techniques: Stress can worsen psoriasis symptoms, so practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and improve symptoms.
- Natural Remedies: Some natural treatments, such as aloe vera, turmeric, and fish oil may help reduce inflammation and improve psoriasis symptoms. However, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any natural treatments , as they may interact with other medications or have side effects.
- Phototherapy: Narrowband or broadband UVB phototherapy can be a holistic treatment for palmoplantar psoriasis. It's a painless and safe treatment that can improve the symptoms of psoriasis.
Chronic Inflammatory Skin Disease
Palmoplantar psoriasis is considered a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by thick, scaly, red patches of skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. These patches of skin are caused by an overproduction of skin cells, which over time can accumulate leading to a buildup of thick, scaly plaques. The inflammation associated with this disease results from the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells.
Palmoplantar psoriasis is a chronic condition that can last for a long time and may be characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions. Symptoms can be managed with a combination of treatments, such as topical creams and ointments, oral medications, and light therapy, but there is no cure for the disease.
It's important to note that people with psoriasis, including palmoplantar psoriasis, have an increased risk of other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, and it's important to work with a healthcare provider for regular check-ups and monitoring of these risks.
Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Severe plaque psoriasis is a type of psoriasis characterized by large, thick, red, and scaly patches of skin called plaques. These plaques typically appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back but can also appear on other body parts. Severe plaque psoriasis is often accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, and pain and can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
The exact cause of severe plaque psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to an immune system problem. The immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing them to multiply rapidly on the skin's surface, forming plaques.
Severe plaque psoriasis is considered severe when it covers more than 10% of the body, or if large areas on your face, palms or soles of your feet have patches. It can also be considered severe if it can’t be controlled using a skin medication, it affects areas of your body that are constantly irritated, such as folds of the skin, or it has a significant impact on your quality of life. It is typically treated with a combination of topical and systemic medications and light therapy.
Chronic Plaque Psoriasis
Chronic plaque psoriasis, also known as chronic stable psoriasis, is a long-term and recurring condition characterized by thick, red, scaly patches of skin called plaques. These plaques typically appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back but can also appear on other body parts. Psoriasis can significantly impact a person's quality of life.
The exact cause of chronic plaque psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to an immune system problem. The immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells causing them to build up rapidly on the skin's surface and form characteristic plaques.
Psoriasis is considered chronic because it is a long-term condition that can last for years with periods of flare-ups and remissions. It is typically treated with a combination of topical and systemic medications and light therapy.
How Do Holistic Treatments Work?
As we have seen, there are multiple different types of psoriasis. Some examples are palmoplantar pustular psoriasis, severe plaque psoriasis, and chronic plaque psoriasis. Now that we've discussed some of the various types of psoriasis, let's take a look at helpful treatment options.
Holistic treatments for palmoplantar psoriasis aim to address the condition's underlying causes and promote overall health and well-being. These treatments may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and natural remedies.
Keep in mind that with palmoplantar psoriasis, psoriatic lesions can occur along with rashes on the palms and soles of your hands and feet. Many Psoriasis patients notice that their flare-ups become worse during weather changes. Affected patients are encouraged to seek out healthcare professionals to evaluate disease severity and define a treatment plan.
There are many holistic ways to treat palmoplantar psoriasis such as eating healthy foods and having a healthy exercise routine. If they forego treatment, patients affected by palmoplantar psoriasis are more likely to be affected by other health complications down the line. Some cases of palmoplantar psoriasis if left untreated can develop into severe cases so it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.
