Our hands are one of the most important and versatile parts of our bodies. They help us carry out daily tasks, communicate, and connect with the world around us.

However, they are also susceptible to various health conditions, some of which can manifest visually. In this article, we will explore visual cues on the hands that may indicate three specific conditions – psoriasis, endocarditis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

We will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for each condition to increase awareness and promote early detection.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, including the hands. It is characterized by raised, red, and scaly patches, often accompanied by itching and pain.

When psoriasis affects the hands, it can cause a number of visual cues that can help in its identification. Here are a few:.

1. Plaques or Patches

Psoriasis commonly presents as well-defined plaques or patches on the skin. On the hands, these patches are often seen on the palms, back of the hands, fingers, and nails. They may appear scaly, red, and may sometimes crack or bleed.

2. Nail Changes

Psoriasis can affect the nails, resulting in changes such as pitting (small dents or depressions), discoloration, thickening, or separation from the nail bed. Nail involvement is a common visual cue for diagnosing psoriasis.

3. Joint Swelling

In some cases of psoriasis, joint inflammation can occur, leading to a condition called psoriatic arthritis. This can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints of the hands.

The swelling may be accompanied by a warm sensation and may affect multiple joints, including those of the fingers and wrists.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. Although it primarily affects the heart, it can also result in visual cues on the hands. Here are a few:.

1. Janeway Lesions

Janeway lesions are painless, small, red spots that can appear on the palms and soles of the feet. These lesions are a result of small hemorrhages in the blood vessels and are considered a characteristic visual cue for endocarditis.

2. Osler’s Nodes

Osler’s nodes are painful, raised, and red or purple lesions that develop on the fingertips or toes. These nodes are caused by immune complex deposition in the blood vessels and are often associated with infective endocarditis.

3. Splinter Hemorrhages

Splinter hemorrhages are dark red or brown streaks that appear under the nails. These streaks resemble tiny splinters and can be a visual indication of endocarditis. They occur due to the presence of small clots in the nail bed blood vessels.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Although it can affect any joint in the body, including those in the hands, the visual cues on the hands can help in early identification. Here are a few:.

1. Swollen Joints

Rheumatoid arthritis often causes joint inflammation, resulting in swollen and tender joints. In the hands, the swelling is commonly seen in the knuckles, fingers, and wrists. The affected joints may also feel warm to the touch.

2. Deformities

If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformities in the hands. The fingers may gradually deviate towards the little finger, causing a characteristic deformity called ulnar deviation.

Additionally, nodules may develop under the skin near the affected joints.

3. Symmetrical Involvement

Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects joints symmetrically, meaning that if one hand is involved, the corresponding joint on the other hand is likely to be affected as well.

This symmetry is often an important visual cue in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis.

Recognizing these visual cues on the hands can be crucial for early detection and treatment of psoriasis, endocarditis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you notice any of these signs, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management.