Is this hand Psoriasis?

[Shesasuperfreak]

I have been waiting since last March for a derm referral to come through but im starting to think this is psoriasis.

I already have it in my scalp since childhood but its small and doesn't bother me. My hands however are becoming unusable.

It started with a small sore dot on one finger that spread over all the finger tips on one hand.

It has now begun to spread on two fingers on the other hand.

I think its psoriasis as new skin seems to want to break through the old skin over and over.

I have tried every skin cream and emollient available which helps the stiffness and cracking but doesn't help with the skin being thin or not being able to turn lids and touch hot food.

I've also stopped using soap on my hands at one point, when I thought it was a contact issue but having gone through the process of elimination with so many things I dont think it is environmental.

I've had this since October 2021

I'm not sure why the images are not showing. In my OP.

Could it be Strep A?

I think it probably is OP. I also have scalp psoriasis and every so often I have something very similar on my thumb.

Last time it happened I got some cream from the GP (sorry - can't remember what it was called) and it sorted it out. Nothing I got over OTC worked unfortunately.

I would send a picture to your GP - hopefully they can help

I mentioned Strep A is it looks similar to when my DD had that, diagnosed via swab.

I've been to the GP a few times and they have pics from when I first went.

I can tell in a year it slowly spread and hasn't improved.

I went last Thursday and they just told me I have to wait for the referral that was sent last March and thats it!

I've kinda been left to get on with it.

very frustrating

That's really bad OP. From experience it is amazingly sore and itchy (much more so than scalp psoriasis imo). Have you tried any coal tar cream on it?

Its not itchy but is sore if I don't constantly moisturise.

If I chop chilli it will burn my fingers, the skin is really thin.

I have no finger prints on my tips and I cant grip thing properly.

As it has spread it has also made my hands stiffer and harder to fully open as the skin is hard.

I havent tried tar but I definitely will. Right now I'm using a psoriasis cream from superdrug, Aveeno chapped skin serum, Cetraben hand cream. Aswell as other hand creams.

I'm just scared that its a symptom of something worse and have asked to be referred to Rheumatology as I do have scalp psoriasis, but the GP said that won't see me until the dermatologist has cleared me.

I am considering going private but I wouldn't know where to start and don't want to get ripped off.

What are your fingernails like? I can't quite make them out. Is there any pitting and ridging?

If you are considering going private I would ask the GP to refer you to one (I think that is how it works). Or you can just Google seeing a dermatologist in your area and see what comes up.

When DH went private for an issue some years ago the GP helped - and he ended up seeing the consultant that he would have seen had he gone NHS route (but much much quicker!).

I think you need to contact the GP and say you want to see the dermatologist privately and see what they suggest. Though it sounds your GP has been less than supportive so far 😞

My nails are normal for now but it hasnt fully spread there yet its wrapping around the front of my hand .

I think you do need to see a Rheumatologist. Your fingers look swollen (dactylitis) and given you have a history of scalp psoriasis unfortunately you are at risk for psoriatic arthritis and your finger swelling is one of the symptoms. Hormone changes such as pregnancy and menopause and also stress can be a trigger.

If you can afford it I would have a private rheumatology appointment. You need a good one though, first I saw wasn’t great, second brilliant. If you are able to get to Bath Dr Ellie Korendowych is brilliant. It’s £240 for initial appointment and £120 for a follow up. The Bath Institute of Rheumatic Diseases have helpful podcasts - birdbath.org I think and they are worth listening to.

If not join a psoriatic arthritis Facebook group and ask for recommendations in your local area. My GP refused to refer me so I went privately and now have a diagnosis having seen Dr Korendowych for a second opinion.