How does psoriasis affect a person's work life?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am worried about my cousin, who is 42 years old and works in construction. His psoriasis is making his job difficult. The skin on his hands keeps cracking and bleeding, and he can not wear work gloves properly. He is losing work days because of this condition. We tried some natural remedies, but nothing worked. Can you suggest something that would not interfere with his physical work?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Severe psoriasis (a skin disorder that leads to red patches) on the hands can be particularly challenging for someone in a physical job like construction. Here are some strategies to manage his condition without interfering with work:

Medical treatment options-

Topical steroids: High-potency corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and speed the healing of cracked skin. Apply as directed, ideally at night, with cotton gloves for better absorption.
Vitamin D analog creams: Calcipotriol or Calcitriol can help reduce scaling and thickening.
Coal tar or salicylic acid creams: These are effective for softening plaques and reducing flaking but may have a strong odor.
Non-steroidal creams: Newer options like Crisaborole or Pimecrolimus offer anti-inflammatory benefits with fewer side effects.

If these do not provide relief, consulting a dermatologist for systemic therapies (like Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, or biologics) may be necessary.

Protective measures for work-

Moisturizers: Use thick, fragrance-free emollients like petroleum jelly or a urea-based cream to prevent cracking. Apply frequently, especially before and after work.
Barrier creams: Gloves in a bottle can form a protective layer over the skin to reduce irritation and allow gloves to be worn more comfortably.
Soft cotton gloves: Worn under work gloves, they can reduce friction and absorb sweat, which may irritate his hands.

Adjust work practices-

Frequent breaks: Encourage short breaks to reapply moisturizers or adjust gloves to reduce friction.
Better glove options: Consider trying gloves with a softer lining or silicone-based options designed for sensitive skin.

Address underlying triggers-

Stress management: Stress can worsen psoriasis. Techniques like mindfulness or relaxation exercises can help.
Diet and hydration: Encourage a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens).
Avoid alcohol, which can worsen symptoms.

When to seek specialist care- If his psoriasis remains unmanageable with topical treatments, systemic medications like biologics (e.g., Adalimumab, Secukinumab) may provide long-term relief. These are effective and tailored to severe cases, particularly when psoriasis interferes with daily life.

Would you like recommendations for over-the-counter products?

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.