What Causes Itching On Fingers And Toes?

Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015

Question: My 6 year old daughter has been complaining for roughly 4 months that the tips of her fingers..(both hands-thumb, pointer and middle finger) and both big toes on the sides constantly itch. We took her to the doctor and they gave us ointments to rub on but that didn't help and also gave her benadryl but that didn't help either. I tried to take her mind off of it but ultimately it keeps bothering her. I don't want to take her back to the Pediatrician since they didn't seem to understand what it is. Any suggestions would be incredibly appreciated:)

Answered by Dr. Ramesh M.Vachharajani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Likely having allery due to worms or some external allergens

Detailed Answer:
Hi, XXXX,
Thanks for posting query.
Looking to the symptoms as this problem is since long there might be having some chronic allergic reaction mostly due to,
1, some allergens causing this itching on fingers and toes,
2, having some intestinal worms causing this chronic itching.
There might be having some external allergens giving this reaction like shampoo, detergent, cosmetics like nail polish, soap, playing in dust etc.
Try to find out any such allergens and avoid using these.
Another possibility of having worms infestation like thread worm, round worm, tap worms in GI tract causing this itching.
Go for stool test for ova and cyst.
Even empirically you can give her syrup Albendazole 200 mg once stat.
Keep nails well cut and clean.
Continue giving Benadryl or you can give Cetrizine or Levo cetrizine.
Avoid giving spicy, sour and junk food.
Apply caladryl lotion or some moisturizing lotion on affected parts.
Avoid touching detergents or chemicals.
I hope, I answered your query.
If you have further query or clarification, please write back.
I wish speedy recovery.
Ok and take care.
Dr. Ramesh Vachharajani.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh M.Vachharajani (41 minutes later)

This is all very confusing.. Why is her itching just on these 3 fingers and both big toes? Could it be neuropathy? I've tried the lotion and changed detergent and shampoo.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh M.Vachharajani (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Neuropathy is less likely, might be having vitamin B.complex deficiency etc

Detailed Answer:
Hi, XXXX,
Thanks for posting query again.
I really appreciated the doubt you raised.

Neurological condition is less likely as there is no pain, tingling and numbness or any wasting on affected parts.
There might be having some some other conditions like vitamin B complex deficiency, pinched nerve pressure on nerves due to some congenital anomalies in spines.
So I advice you to go for medicine I mentioned in previous answer and wait for some time.
If there is no improvement then consult orthopedic surgeon/ neuro-physician and get examined and investigated.

I hope you will satisfy with this reply.
If there is no further query or clarification you can close the discussion and rate the answer

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj