Many dermatologist patients complain of quickly, within a few days, keratinization of the skin on their fingers. Since in the first period of the disease most people try to eliminate this defect on their own, using warm baths and rich creams, they see a doctor only when deep, painful cracks form on the skin. Hyperkeratosis is a general name for a whole group of diseases that cause this symptom, some of them are very serious. This disease is characterized by disruption of the epidermis, an increase in the layer of dead cells and the formation of areas covered with the stratum corneum.
Causes of hyperkeratosis
Excessive proliferation of skin surface cells has many causes, both mechanical and pathological. Rough skin on the fingers is often observed in people whose professions involve daily pressure on these areas, for example, shoemakers or guitarists. The areas of skin that come into contact with the strings become horny, forming a layer of cells and protecting the skin. Workers who constantly deal with resins, sand or tar suffer from excessive cell growth on the fingers and palms, and this is dangerous because the degeneration of such cells can cause a malignant skin disease.
Age-related changes in hormonal levels entail keratoderma: during menopause, some women develop skin layers on the palms and fingers, they are diffusely located and have a grayish or yellowish color. Sometimes keratinization becomes covered with deep, painful cracks. Senile lumps and plaques on the hands usually do not bother their owners, but there is a risk of such cells degenerating into cancer.
Horny skin on the fingers of children and adolescents is a symptom of a serious illness, so keratoderma is most often caused by a gene mutation. Provoking factors can be various viral diseases, hormonal imbalances, a lack of vitamin A in the body, and the cause of the deficiency can be both external and internal. Poor nutrition and diseases of the digestive system, cancer and metabolic disorders are the main reasons for incomplete absorption of vitamin A, which in turn provokes keratosis.
The cause of the proliferation of epithelial cells is sometimes an allergic reaction to a cosmetic product or washing powder. Excessive consumption of food allergens also causes the appearance of horny layers of cells.
What to do if you have dry hands
If the problem is caused by internal causes, you need to focus on treating the underlying disease. However, there are general recommendations that help normalize metabolic processes in the dermis and help eliminate dry skin on the hands:
- keeping hydrated (drinking enough fluids);
- healthy, balanced diet, rich in unsaturated fatty acids (avocado, vegetable oils, fatty fish, nuts, etc.);
- smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption;
- adequate physical activity;
- reducing time spent in the sun;
- use of mild cleansers and care products for dry skin.
Symptoms of keratosis
First of all, a patient with keratoderma notices that he has rough skin on his fingers, and skin softening products do not bring the expected result. Then, after a sufficiently long period of time, the layer of cells becomes thick, the tissue underneath dies, and the edges of the stratum corneum acquire a purple tint. In the thickening itself, deep, painful, bleeding cracks form, the nails become lumpy and irregular in shape.
The symptoms of occupational or mechanical keratosis, which is the body’s response to local skin irritation, are much less pronounced. Constant pressure on the fingertips leads to the formation of calluses, and then the skin becomes coarser, the surface cells of the epidermis die off and do not slough off, as a result of which keratinization occurs. Occupational keratosis can also be accompanied by the formation of cracks in the stratum corneum, but it is limited only to those areas of the skin that are periodically injured, without spreading further.
Follicular keratosis most often forms on the flexor surfaces of the extremities, but can also be localized on the hands. The patient notices that the skin on his hands is pimply and tough. Follicular keratosis, apart from a cosmetic disadvantage, does not annoy the patient, but can spread throughout the body. One of the reasons for the occurrence of this form of the disease is heredity: according to statistics, people whose parents had a history of keratosis pilaris are most likely to develop it between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five.
Hand care at different ages
The skin of your hands always requires care, but it will be different at every age.
Specialists from the DOCTOR DENT clinic will tell you how to care for the skin of your hands. Cosmetology" after the initial consultation.
All procedures are aimed at:
- improving skin tone and elasticity;
- restoration of the optimal level of water balance in cells;
- removal of pigmentation, lightening;
- treatment of skin diseases and much more.
The clinic offers a wide range of hand care procedures. Four directions of manipulation can be distinguished:
- Peeling. It is based on fruit acid. During this procedure, collagen is synthesized, which is responsible for skin elasticity. It becomes smooth and elastic. The top, dead layer is gently and completely removed.
- Paraffin hand mask is a unique procedure in which you can relax and enjoy. Its use is recommended 1-2 times a week. After this procedure, your hands will be smooth and soft.
- Mesotherapy and biorevitalization. These procedures are based on the injection of a special mixture of drugs that improve the condition and quality of the skin. As a result, small wrinkles are smoothed out.
- Photo- and fractional rejuvenation of hand skin. Used to treat vascular diseases, lighten the epidermis and improve its condition, increase tone and elasticity.
At the clinic “DOCTOR DENT. Cosmetology" a popular procedure is the intradermal administration of drugs: Belotero Hydro, Belotero Volite, Vital or Profhilo into the hand area. The service is performed by a specialist after eliminating contraindications.
Clinic “DOCTOR DENT. Cosmetology" has the latest modern equipment for hardware procedures:
- Candela installations. They make it possible to carry out manipulation quickly and without pain. For example, this equipment is used to perform laser treatment to correct pigment spots on the hands. Advantages of the equipment: effect after the first procedure, 100% safety, no pain or discomfort.
- Laser equipment Candela CentleLase PRO-U. Hair removal without pain, thanks to the built-in cooling system.
- Fractional laser FRAX 1550. It gently polishes the skin to a velvety effect.
- Installation of Elipse Nordlys. Includes a set of 6 devices. Their action is aimed at rejuvenating the skin and improving its health. The device allows you to: accelerate cellular metabolism and stimulate the formation of collagen in the skin.
- IPL technologies based on Norldlys. Allows penetration into the deep layers of the epidermis without damaging the integrity of the skin. Skin problems such as acne, acne, pigmentation, wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores are solved.
Only with systematic and competent care will your hands remain beautiful and healthy for as long as possible.
Treatment of keratoses
Keratoses associated with the professional activities of patients with exposure to toxic substances, such as arsenic or tar, are difficult to treat until the person stops engaging in this type of activity. The disease can last for years and go away completely on its own when the employee quits or changes profession.
At the first signs of causeless coarsening of the skin on your fingers, you need to carefully adjust your diet, add vitamin complexes and an oil solution of vitamin A. Locally, thoroughly clean the skin on your hands every evening, lubricate the rough areas with a nourishing cream with the addition of vitamin A. A good result is achieved by using gloves Spa Belle, they moisturize the skin, have a soft and gentle effect, releasing softening and beneficial components of the gel impregnation. You can buy silicone gloves in the online store.
If the symptoms of keratosis are severe enough, you should consult a doctor for a full examination and identify the cause of the disease. It is possible that keratinization of the skin is caused by some disease, and its treatment will help eliminate the unpleasant symptom. Ointments and creams containing healing and softening components are used locally.
At any stage of the development of the disease during the inflammatory process, it is advisable to use ointments containing antibiotics and steroids. They are used in short courses to relieve inflammation, and then use wound-healing drugs such as Panthenol or Solcoseryl, which enhance tissue regeneration. Baths with astringent herbal decoctions and compresses with plantain or aloe juice are also quite effective in the symptomatic treatment of keratoses.
Prevention of keratosis
The main treatment for keratosis of any etiology is to prevent the development of the disease. But since it is not known for certain what triggers the onset of the disease, you just need to maintain general hygiene, not subject your hands to excessive stress, and take good care of them. Sagging skin on the hands, calluses and redness are a signal for immediate action: stopping any diet, taking vitamins A and E, and cosmetic procedures.
People whose professions involve the development of this disease, or who have had cases of this disease in their family, are advised to closely monitor their health, since keratosis, although it does not threaten human life, sometimes makes it unbearable. Horny skin reduces the sensitivity of the hands, interferes with delicate work, and cracks make any movement impossible due to extreme pain. The duration and, sometimes, failure of treatment for horny growths is a reason to think about preventive measures for an unpleasant disease.
General clinical recommendations
For patients suffering from arthritis of the fingers, it is recommended:
- lead a healthy lifestyle, toughen up;
- be treated in a timely manner, eliminate all foci of infection that may become a trigger in the development of exacerbations of arthritis;
- get rid of bad habits;
- eat right, regulate sleep and wakefulness;
- if arthritis worsens, do not put stress on your fingers, do not do housework, including washing dishes;
- during remission, do physical exercises for your arms at home; classes should be held daily;
- completely abandon self-medication and adhere to the doctor’s recommendations in everything.
Prevention of arthritis of the fingers
Preventing arthritis is especially important for people who have a genetic predisposition to this disease (close relatives with this pathology). In order to maintain health, they need to adhere to the following recommendations:
- you should not overload your hands with heavy physical or long-term painstaking work, including at home;
- you should not overcool, you should avoid overcooling your hands;
- lead a healthy lifestyle, eat right, toughen up;
- engage in feasible sports, conduct daily training;
- avoid prolonged stress.
Diet
Special nutrition is required only for gouty arthritis of the fingers. The diet of such patients should not contain strong broths, offal, meat of young animals, alcohol, sorrel, lettuce, strong tea, coffee, or chocolate.
If you have gouty arthritis, you should follow a diet
In other cases, it is enough to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet: eat lean meat and dairy products, fish (fatty sea fish is healthy), grains, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. High-calorie foods, sweets, baked goods, spicy seasonings, fried and smoked foods should be avoided. Meals should be regular.
