It appears that what many here are suffering from is mild psoriatic arthritis possibly in conjunction witha mixed-connective tissue DISORDER--NOT MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE. The swelling of the hands at the main joints along with the wrist is common. Swelling of the nose often occurs simultaneously. The ears and blood vessels along the cheekbone and the rear area of the jaw may feel hot and inflamed as well. The swelling of the nose is associated with an autoimmune response that leaves the periphery of the nasal cavity dry while blocking the inner cavity. You may feel stuffed up and experience extreme nasal dryness at once. Remeber that sinus cavities are connected to the ears and the vessels lining the rear jaw and cheekbone. All are likely to experience some discomfort and inflammation simultaneously. For instance, your nose may feel stiff.
As for the hands, it is more likely that swelling and redness occurs during the morning or night when immune activity is in flux. Do not search psoriatic arthritis for images without realizing that the cases you will likely view are of the most extreme cases. Mild psoriasis is often undiagnosed and misdiagnosed for many years, if ever. Because the symptoms can disappear only to reappear a few months down the line or manifest itself in other ways, such as persistent hair and sclap dryness, eye inflammation, etc. one may have trouble seeking out help or finding someone that can diagnose mild psoriasis. Without linking periods of different types of autoimmune reactivity you will be hard-pressed to find a doctor that can determine your condition without a biopsy.
Do many of you experience irregular cuticle growth, small cuts on your hands that take much longer than expected to heal, the appearance of skin on your hands that looks as if it will soon split apart, a large knuckle that is off-color or red even when the hands are not imflammed, and/or the presence of a cold sweat or cold sweat feeling when the hands are not inflammed or directly prior to inflammation?
If this is the case, it is likely worth your time to go to your dermatologist with all the autoimmune issues you have ever experienced written down, so as to present everything to the doctor. If you have not had a biopsy for psoriasis you should seriously consider it. If your hand swelling occurs during periods of intense work--not physical--or period of other stress, remember to leave yourself time so you can keep your body and mind as stable as possible, especially during the morning hours. Also, physical activity is very good for the swelling. It should subside following periods of exercise where blood flows to the central nervous system, helping circulation. Weight training is beneficial because it will help keep the hands active. You will never experience hand swelling when grasping dumbells of a manageable weight. Blood will circulate and actually flow away from the periphery following the workout, leaving your hands feeling refreshed. Good luck.