Hands, feet, elbows and knees: specific psoriasis

Psoriasis can affect all parts of the body. The upper and lower limbs are no exception. Your arches, the palms of your hands or your nails can be affected. The same applies to the "friction areas" of the elbows and knees.

Psoriasis areas
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Delicate extremities

Psoriasis can make it difficult to walk if it develops on the feet or toes, and to shake hands when the palm, fingers or nails are affected. All these areas are sensitive. When the dry scales eventually fall off, the skin is raw, therefore they may bleed and small cracks may appear. By taking care of your psoriasis, including the daily application of an emollient, the flare-ups can be reduced and spaced out: you will feel more relaxed and at ease in public.

To counteract the tightness of psoriasis, it’s essential to apply a moisturiser every day, in the form of a cream, lotion or balm.

France psoriasis

Palmoplantar psoriasis affects the arches of the feet and the palms of the hands. In these areas, the skin is irritable. The palms of the hands are in constant contact with the outside world. To avoid irritation and inflammation of the very dry skin lesions, use soap-free care products with a neutral physiologic pH, avoid hot water when washing your hands and feet, and dry yourself gently by patting. Finally, dress and undress carefully: the pustules, often associated with this type of psoriasis, can make it difficult to put on your sweaters and socks because of the small threads that cling to the skin. To protect your hands, wear gloves when washing dishes and regularly apply a repairing and sheathing hand cream (Cicalfate Hands): its "second skin" effect is effective against irritating products.

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When psoriasis reaches the nail

Nail psoriasis is likely to disappear spontaneously:

Avoid manicures and nails that are too short in order to reduce small skin traumas. Protect yourself from moisture to prevent the spread of bacteria and fungus, or wear therapeutic nail polish to protect against friction.

Consult your dermatologist/rheumatologist in case of inflammatory joint pain, swelling and stiffness in the fingers. If you have psoriatic arthritis, which is often associated with nail psoriasis, you will receive appropriate care.

FRIENDLY (AND EXPERT) ADVICE

Avoid smoking for hand-foot psoriasis!

To optimise the effectiveness of your hand-foot psoriasis treatment, avoid smoking.

 Nicotine and tobacco products weaken the skin and immune system and stimulate inflammatory mechanisms. For these reasons, smoking increases the risk of developing hand-foot psoriasis. And in women in particular (who are more sensitive to the impact of smoking because of their hormones), smoking may even impair the effectiveness of treatment for this particular form of psoriasis. The good news is that it has been proven that quitting smoking leads to rapid improvement in hand-foot psoriasis.

 

Gently moisturise your skin

To care for your psoriasis, apply to your extremities: Fragrance-free creams suitable for dry skin. Choose the emollient texture you like best to make this ritual a gentle and pleasurable experience. Apply the cream in thin layers by first spreading it between your hands. This is the perfect way to apply it gently and effectively without using too much product at once.

Care and anti-itching tips

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Our solutions to soothe your psoriasis

Eau Thermale Avène skin care products designed to soothe your hands and feet