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I have severe psoriasis on my hand, it feels as if my hand has 3rd degree burns the skin is crusty, it bursts open & I don't know what to do

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Krugersdorp, ZA
+2
January 10
 · 
Reactions
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Hi Dot
That is definitely a challenge, but thank you so much.
It is so painful & restricting as it is my dominant hand.
Strongs

January 11
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

That looks painful, but you triggered an a ha moment for me. My hands were like that a few years ago, I thought it was and allergic reaction and I changed some eating choices. Over the last 15 years it has been easy to tell people I have allergies, when the truth is that my body is intolerant of certain foods. Some of these foods irritate not only my allergies by my psoriasis and the PSA connected to that. Have you looked into foods that contribute to your inflamation? For me I have to restrict the grains I eat, no wheat/flour, no corn, no rice. (completely cutting those from your diet may create challeges) They all contribute to my overall inflammation that contributes to flares of my psoriasis. In the short time I have been on here, there is no one right answer for everybody. Just a right answer for you. Hope you feel better soon. Dot

January 11
MyPsoriasisTeam

What can help with severe hand psoriasis that's cracked and painful?

That sounds incredibly painful, and you're not alone in experiencing this. A MyPsoriasisTeam member described similar symptoms: "My cracks are deep, and I cry when I wash."

The cracked, crusty skin you're describing is a common symptom of severe hand Show Full Answer

What can help with severe hand psoriasis that's cracked and painful?

That sounds incredibly painful, and you're not alone in experiencing this. A MyPsoriasisTeam member described similar symptoms: "My cracks are deep, and I cry when I wash."

The cracked, crusty skin you're describing is a common symptom of severe hand psoriasis, where deep fissures can form and be very slow to heal.

Here are some steps that may help:

Immediate relief:
- Keep your hands moisturized constantly with thick, oil-based ointments or creams designed for psoriasis
- Apply moisturizer every time you wash your hands, or at least several times daily
- Wear cotton gloves, especially at night, to help products absorb better and protect your skin

Treatment options to discuss with your doctor:
- Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Salicylic acid and coal tar products to reduce scaling and soften thick skin
- Vitamin A and D derivatives to slow skin cell overproduction
- Phototherapy (light therapy) if topical treatments aren't enough

Protect your hands:
- Wear gloves during any activities that might irritate your skin
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers instead of harsh soaps
- Avoid hand sanitizers with alcohol, as they can trigger flares

Most importantly, please see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Severe hand psoriasis like yours often requires prescription treatments, and your doctor can create a treatment plan to help heal those painful cracks and get your symptoms under control.

January 10

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