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Real members of MyPsoriasisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Dealing with hand psoriasis

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Both hands

*horrible image warning* - I've been suffering from psoriasis on my hands for over a year, I thought I was getting somewhere when I visited a dermatologist and they prescribed a cream, it's cleared up a bit, but I still get horrible gash like cuts because of it, extremely painful and embarrassing. I use lotion all of the time and since changed my diet to see if that helps. Does anyone have any experience of this themselves and if so, any advice you can give?

October 25, 2025
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A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Hi @A MyPsoriasisTeam Member, ouch! That does not look like fun! Have you asked your dermatologist for a systemic? Something that you take by mouth or injection? Lotions/ointments are difficult on the hands since we are always touching things, washing them....all activities that remove the treatment.
That being said, have you tried Zoryve? It's a lotion that a derm recently prescribed for me that has cleared up stubborn spots for me where other tropicals have not worked.
I hope you find something soon!

October 29, 2025
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this, @A MyPsoriasisTeam Member! I'm tagging in some other members to see if they have any additional advice for you 🙏🏾: @MyPsoriasisTeam users...

October 28, 2025
MyPsoriasisTeam

How can you manage painful hand psoriasis that causes deep cracks despite using prescribed creams?

Hand psoriasis with deep fissures can be incredibly painful and frustrating, even when treatment seems to be helping somewhat. Many MyPsoriasisTeam members share similar experiences with cuts that crack and bleed.

Since Show Full Answer

How can you manage painful hand psoriasis that causes deep cracks despite using prescribed creams?

Hand psoriasis with deep fissures can be incredibly painful and frustrating, even when treatment seems to be helping somewhat. Many MyPsoriasisTeam members share similar experiences with cuts that crack and bleed.

Since you're already using lotion regularly, consider switching to thicker products if you haven't already. Petroleum-based ointments like Vaseline or thick emollient creams work better than lightweight lotions. One member found success by applying emollient first, then sealing it with Vaseline on top to prevent splitting and cracking.

Here are additional strategies that may help:

- Apply moisturizer every time you wash your hands, not just once or twice daily
- Try occluding: apply your prescription cream, then cover hands with cotton gloves to help it absorb better (check with your doctor first)
- Wear protective gloves during any activities that might irritate your skin - sometimes layering cotton gloves under nitrile gloves provides better protection
- Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which can trigger flare-ups and cause intense burning on cracked skin
- Use fragrance-free, gentle soap and rinse thoroughly to prevent drying

If your current prescription cream isn't preventing those painful fissures, it's worth following up with your dermatologist. Other treatment options include phototherapy, stronger topical medications, or systemic treatments that work throughout the body to reduce inflammation.

Your dietary changes may help over time - keep tracking how your hands respond.

October 25, 2025

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