Intermediate
Technical
IVT
mechanic's hands
Hyperkeratotic, cracked skin on the radial and palmar aspects of fingers seen in juvenile dermatomyositis.
Full Definition
Mechanic's hands refer to the distinctive rough, cracked, and hyperkeratotic skin changes affecting the radial (thumb-side) and palmar surfaces of the fingers and hands in juvenile dermatomyositis. These changes resemble the callused, cracked hands of manual laborers, hence the name. This cutaneous manifestation may be associated with anti-synthetase antibodies and can occur independently of muscle involvement, making it an important diagnostic clue for atypical presentations of JDM.
Usage
Usage note: Use apostrophe in 'mechanic's hands' - refers to possessive form.
In Context
- "The patient exhibited classic mechanic's hands with hyperkeratotic changes along the finger margins." — Dermatology examination
- "Despite minimal muscle weakness, the presence of mechanic's hands supported the diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis." — Clinical reasoning documentation
Also known as
hyperkeratotic hand changes
rough hands in JDM
Don't confuse with
contact dermatitis
occupational dermatitis
eczema