Hand signs play a significant role in identifying different diseases. This article will focus on identifying three diseases: psoriasis, endocarditis, and rheumatoid arthritis, with the help of hand signs.

We will go through each of these diseases and explain the hand signs that can help identify them.

Identifying Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune disease that affects the skin and joints. It causes red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful. There is no known cure for psoriasis.

Hand Signs:

The hand signs for psoriasis are called “Auspitz sign” and “Koebner phenomenon”.

The Auspitz sign is characterized by pinpoint bleeding when the affected area is scraped or scratched. This occurs because psoriasis causes the skin to become thin, making it easier to bleed.

To check for the Auspitz sign, gently scratch the affected area and look for pinpoint bleeding.

The Koebner phenomenon is characterized by the development of psoriasis in areas of skin that have been injured or traumatized. To check for the Koebner phenomenon, look for psoriasis patches in areas where the skin has been cut, scratched, or burned.

Identifying Endocarditis:

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart’s inner lining, typically caused by bacteria. It can cause fever, fatigue, joint pain, and red spots on the hands and feet.

Hand Signs:

The hand sign for endocarditis is called “Janeway lesions”.

Janeway lesions are painless, small, red or purple spots on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They are caused by the deposition of immune complexes in the skin’s blood vessels.

To check for Janeway lesions, examine the palms of the hands and soles of the feet for small red or purple spots.

Identifying Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, it can cause joint damage and deformity.

Hand Signs:

The hand signs for rheumatoid arthritis are called “Boutonniere deformity” and “Swan-neck deformity”.

The Boutonniere deformity is characterized by the bending of the middle joint of the finger towards the palm, and the extension of the outermost joint.

To check for the Boutonniere deformity, examine the fingers of both hands for any unusual bending or deformities.

The Swan-neck deformity is characterized by the bending of the outermost joint of the finger towards the palm, and the extension of the middle joint.

To check for the Swan-neck deformity, examine the fingers of both hands for any unusual bending or deformities.

Conclusion:

Hand signs play a crucial role in identifying different diseases. By knowing the specific hand signs associated with a particular disease, you can help identify it early and get the proper treatment.

In this article, we have discussed the hand signs for psoriasis, endocarditis, and rheumatoid arthritis, which are just some of the diseases that can be identified through hand signs.