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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Eczema On The Finger Be Treated?

I have some sort of eczema on my upper finger knuckles and tops of my fingers. They do not itch, they only sting. Some knuckles get puffy, reddened, and sometimes open up as sores. In fact, I caught my right little finger in a door jam, which created a wound that the eczema attacked and the wound will not heal. I have been to a supposed very experienced dermatologist recently and he didn t even diagnose me. He just saw the big wound on my right little finger and right upper knuckle and stepped back and said I need wound care. I told him I was previously diagnosed by a very good dermatologist in 2007. He said I had dyshidrosis eczema and prescribed clobetasol propionate cream. It worked back then, but has not worked currently. I have tried everything. I have used the clobetasol cream, Gold Bond eczema relief cream with 2% colloidal oatmeal, I wear nitrile gloves taped securely to my wrists when showering, I have tried the 100% white cotton gloves that the 2007 doctor recommended, I have used liquid bandage, which I blow with a hairdryer to harden it into a man-made scab, I have been on cephalexin antibiotic treatment for the past ten days (500 mg x 4 per day), etc. Do you have any idea what it could be? I know it must be related to stress, because in February I hit a high point of stress, taking care of my wife who had two rotator cuff surgeries in 2015 and 2016. I also have lost a bunch of weight, but I had already lost about 20% of my body weight due to an 11 hour neurosurgery on my back in 2011 to repair a shattered T-12. I now have a titanium fused vertebra along with two titanium rods from T-10 down to L-2.
Mon, 6 Aug 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

As your previous dermatologist had diagnosed, you may be having dyshidrosis eczema. The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. Experts believe that the condition may be related to seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, so blisters may erupt more frequently during the spring allergy season.

Doctors believe that you have a greater chance of developing the condition if you’re experiencing a high level of stress (either physical or emotional) or have allergies. Some doctors think that dyshidrotic eczema may be a type of allergic reaction.

You may be more likely to develop dyshidrotic eczema if your hands or feet are often moist or in water, or if your work exposes you to metal salts, such as cobalt, chromium, and nickel.

I suggest you to have follow up with your earlier dermatologist if possible.

There are a number of ways that a dermatologist can treat dyshidrotic eczema. The severity of your outbreak and other factors determine which treatments they will suggest. It also may be necessary to try more than one treatment before finding the right one for you.

Corticosteroid cream or ointment that you apply directly to your skin for mild outbreaks or, for more severe outbreaks, you may be prescribed a corticosteroid injection or pill.

Other medical treatments used are:
1. UV light treatments
2. draining large blisters
3. antihistamines
4. various anti-itch creams
5. immune-suppressing ointments, such as Protopic and Elidel (this is a rare treatment option).

If your skin becomes infected, then you will also be prescribed antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection.

If you’re having a mild outbreak of dyshidrotic eczema, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines such as Claritin or Benadryl to help decrease your symptoms.

Wet, cold compresses can help reduce the discomfort associated with itchy skin. Your doctor may recommend that you apply an ointment after you use compresses. A moisturizer may also help with the dryness and therefore reduce some itching as well.

These moisturizers may include:
1. petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline
2. heavy creams, such as Lubriderm or Eucerin
3. mineral oil
4. soaking with witch hazel.

Changing your diet may help if medications don’t seem to be keeping up with flare-ups. Since it is believed that a nickel or cobalt allergy can cause eczema, removing foods that contain these may help. Some have said that adding vitamin A to your diet will help, but be sure to ask your doctor before doing so.

Dyshidrosis can also occur on the soles of your feet, although it is not as common as your fingers or the palms of your hands. The treatment for your feet is similar to the treatment for other areas.

To avoid making your pain and itching worse, try not to scratch or break your blisters. Although it’s important to wash your hands regularly, you may want to avoid extensive contact with water, such as frequent hand-washing. You should also avoid using products that can irritate your skin, such as perfumed lotions and dish washing soap.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Eczema On The Finger Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. As your previous dermatologist had diagnosed, you may be having dyshidrosis eczema. The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. Experts believe that the condition may be related to seasonal allergies, such as hay fever, so blisters may erupt more frequently during the spring allergy season. Doctors believe that you have a greater chance of developing the condition if you’re experiencing a high level of stress (either physical or emotional) or have allergies. Some doctors think that dyshidrotic eczema may be a type of allergic reaction. You may be more likely to develop dyshidrotic eczema if your hands or feet are often moist or in water, or if your work exposes you to metal salts, such as cobalt, chromium, and nickel. I suggest you to have follow up with your earlier dermatologist if possible. There are a number of ways that a dermatologist can treat dyshidrotic eczema. The severity of your outbreak and other factors determine which treatments they will suggest. It also may be necessary to try more than one treatment before finding the right one for you. Corticosteroid cream or ointment that you apply directly to your skin for mild outbreaks or, for more severe outbreaks, you may be prescribed a corticosteroid injection or pill. Other medical treatments used are: 1. UV light treatments 2. draining large blisters 3. antihistamines 4. various anti-itch creams 5. immune-suppressing ointments, such as Protopic and Elidel (this is a rare treatment option). If your skin becomes infected, then you will also be prescribed antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection. If you’re having a mild outbreak of dyshidrotic eczema, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines such as Claritin or Benadryl to help decrease your symptoms. Wet, cold compresses can help reduce the discomfort associated with itchy skin. Your doctor may recommend that you apply an ointment after you use compresses. A moisturizer may also help with the dryness and therefore reduce some itching as well. These moisturizers may include: 1. petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline 2. heavy creams, such as Lubriderm or Eucerin 3. mineral oil 4. soaking with witch hazel. Changing your diet may help if medications don’t seem to be keeping up with flare-ups. Since it is believed that a nickel or cobalt allergy can cause eczema, removing foods that contain these may help. Some have said that adding vitamin A to your diet will help, but be sure to ask your doctor before doing so. Dyshidrosis can also occur on the soles of your feet, although it is not as common as your fingers or the palms of your hands. The treatment for your feet is similar to the treatment for other areas. To avoid making your pain and itching worse, try not to scratch or break your blisters. Although it’s important to wash your hands regularly, you may want to avoid extensive contact with water, such as frequent hand-washing. You should also avoid using products that can irritate your skin, such as perfumed lotions and dish washing soap. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.