Category: Health and Wellness
For oo, at least a couple of years now, I've been having problems with dried-out patches of skin dotted here and there on all the fingers and thumbs of both my hands. These're about the size of five pence pieces. These dead bits sometimes flake or drop off, revealing very red and sore skin underneath. There is Eczema running in my family. My mum's allergic to certain brands of washing/soap powder, so she has to either take her own bed linen with her if and when we go away on Holiday and wash her own clothes at all times. If I was allergic to washing powder though, surely not just my hands would be affected would they? As for treatment, I've been applying E45 cream for dry skin which seems to work wonders in just two days after application. I have several different hand creams I use from time to time if my skin's feeling dry, but they don't seem to do anything for my hands. I Googled Eczema and the telltale signs of it as of course, I have no idea what it looks like as I can't see it on other people's skin, and a couple of the symptoms are itchy dry skin and inflamed skin, sometimes open, weeping or even bleeding, which are also the symptoms I'm showing. Today for example, I had one of these patches of skin pealing off my left index finger revealing one of these inflamed red patches underneath. I tried something new tonight. I applied E45 then put a plaster on the offending finger over night. I'll check the result out later today and see how it's doing, but do you think this skin problem could after all be Eczema? It'e genettic and my mum and six-month-old cousin both have Eczema, no doubt about that.
Jen.
I'd definitely see a dermatologist. They specialize in skin disorders such as this, and can guve you an accurate diagnosis.
not sure what happened there, but i think you got the general idea.
Agreed, Joanne, Jen I'd go see your gp who can refer you to a dermatologist. They'll get yu sorted out with some great treatments. Hydroquartazone, or however you spell it, cream is sometimes good for such things, but your gp/dermatologist is best to advise you on that one. Of course I'm nosey, and care, grin, so let me know how you get on? Cheers, Simon
Yes. I would say go and see your gp. That's what I did but they kept saying it was Exema and Acny. But it isn't. The skin doctor said it is Tree bark which is dry itchy skin and can bleed to. But I would ask your gp to refer you to a skin doctor.
I would love to go and see a GP, but mum says it's me picking at it as I've always been a classic nail biter, therefore, she thinks there's nothing wrong with my fingers. It doesn't affect my hands as a whole, just my fingers.
Jen.
Even if it's just affecting your fingers, you need to see a dermatologist. You could have a number of things. It could be eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis...a number of things. I strongly advise you to see a dermatologist. Using all those creams and ointments can possibly make things worse. If there is something you are allergic to, it could very well be in a number of the products you use. Your dermatologist should do what is called a patch test, and that will determine what you are allergic to. If you choose to use a lotion or cream, I suggest using something mild, and something that is specifically made for sensitive skin. Definitely make an appointment.
is there any way you can go on yoru own jen? or with someone else? i'm with everyone else on here, and reckon you should see a doc' about it.
If you wanted to try a natural approach first, cut back on eating sugar, and take a good probiotic. That clears up any skin problems I ever have. It could just be high levels of yeast in your body leaching nutrients from your skin.
I used to have this (diagnosed by a dermatologist) and would also recommend seeing a doctor any way you can to get some definite answers... in the meantime, vitamin E based lotions as well as suppliments are great for your skin. Mine went away completely (haven't had it for a few years now) ever since I started eating more oils in my diet (I used to hate eating anything with butter, margerin or cooking oils, and this was partially my problem, as not enough fat in your diet will dry your skin out really badly...I can tollerate margerin now though, and use olive oil in my cooking as well). What I also did was find a lotion that worked really well for me (for sensitive skin...and it took a lot of trying and looking around), then at night I would use a good portion on my hands then wear cotton gloves on my hands (or nice socks when nothing else was available!) and I found this helped a lot for keeping my hands moisturized for longer.
Hope this helps
You may also want to consider changing over to all-natural products, including shampoo, conditioner, body washes and scrubs, facial cleansers, scrubs, and masks, soap, lotion, laundry detergent, etc. I've done this, and it really is much much better for your skin, and for your health. Also, if you can get to a store that sells it, you may want to consider picking up some essential lavender oil. Lavender oil is great for your skin. You can just add a few drops in your bath water and soak in it for a few minutes, and it will help. Just make sure that you are buying real, true, essential lavender oil.