A mysterious skin condition left a patient with cracked and bloody hands and feet, prompting a three-month search for answers by doctors. The condition was so severe that doctors were at a loss to determine the cause, and traditional allergy tests came back negative. Eventually, they resorted to an unconventional treatment involving exposing the patient’s hands and feet to UV light after soaking them in psoralens.

The Patient’s Symptoms

The patient experienced a series of unexplained symptoms, including falling incidents that could not be explained by muscle tests, and severe swelling and splitting of the skin on their hands and feet. The condition was so severe that the patient was unable to use their hands, prompting a visit to their primary care doctor.

The Diagnostic Process

The patient’s primary care doctor was unable to determine the cause of the symptoms, leading to a referral to a dermatologist. The dermatologist tried a variety of treatments and creams, but to no avail. The patient was then referred to a major medical center, where full-scale allergy testing was conducted. The results were negative, leaving the doctors at a loss for a diagnosis.

The Unconventional Treatment

With no other options available, the medical team resorted to an unconventional treatment involving exposing the patient’s hands and feet to UV light after soaking them in psoralens. The treatment involved 33 sessions of exposure over the course of several weeks. At the end of the treatment, the patient’s hands and feet began to look brand new.

Potential Explanations

While the exact cause of the patient’s symptoms remains unknown, some medical professionals believe that the condition may have been related to an autoimmune disorder or an unknown virus. Further research is necessary to determine the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms and to explore the efficacy of the UV light treatment for similar conditions in the future.

In conclusion, the case of the patient with the mysterious skin condition highlights the importance of persistence in the diagnostic process, as well as the potential benefits of unconventional treatments in cases where traditional methods have failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What could be causing the falling incidents and skin swelling/cracking?

  The cause of the falling incidents and skin swelling/cracking is unclear from the provided information. Further medical evaluation may be needed to determine the underlying cause.

• What are PUVA treatments?

  PUVA treatments involve soaking the affected skin in psoralens, a group of plant-derived compounds that make the skin more sensitive to light, and then exposing the skin to UVA light for a specific amount of time. The treatment is typically used for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

• Where is the major medical center located?

  The location of the major medical center is unclear from the provided information.

• What are the potential side effects of PUVA treatments?

  The potential side effects of PUVA treatments may include nausea, itching, redness, and dryness of the skin. Long-term use may increase the risk of skin cancer.