Dermatology-Online

Eczema on the finger - what helps?

definition

The term "eczema" is a collective term for a large number of inflammatory changes in the skin, which in those affected express themselves in a non-infectious inflammatory reaction.

introduction

Eczema on the finger can be caused by various causes. Clinically, finger eczema is characterized by a typical sequence of skin reactions. Reddening of the skin on the fingers can be observed in the affected persons at the beginning of the disease. This is followed by the formation of tiny bubbles that may start to wet. When eczema develops on the finger, the formation of crusts and flakes of skin can also be observed. Eczema in general, and the inflammatory rash on the finger in particular, are among the most common skin diseases. Of all skin diseases, inflammatory changes make up about three to twenty percent. In addition, the probability of contracting eczema to a greater or lesser extent at least once in a lifetime is almost 100 percent. Depending on the exact location and mechanism of the skin changes, a possible professional connection must be ruled out. Recurring eczema on the finger is often what is known as an occupational disease. In general, different forms of eczema on the finger must be distinguished. The most common forms of this skin condition include:

Asteatotic eczema
Atopic eczema
Disseminated eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema
Contact eczema (allergic and irritative contact eczema)
Nummular eczema
Seborrheic eczema

General information on the topic can be found here: Eczema - Causes, Treatment & More

Causes of the development of eczema on the finger

Eczema on the finger occurs in the area of the top layer of skin (epidermis) from. Since the skin surface is both the body's protective shell and the seat of important immune cells for the body's own defense, the immune system can react too quickly when it comes to defense against foreign bodies. As a result, the affected person develops a more or less pronounced eczema. Direct contact with allergens and / or toxic substances is one of the most common causes of eczema on the finger. In allergic eczema on the finger, for example, a late immune reaction (so-called Type IV response) play a crucial role. The direct cause of allergic eczema are white blood cells (T lymphocytes). Immediately after contact, the causal allergen is absorbed as a tiny fragment from the surface of the skin and can then bind to carrier proteins of the immune system. The allergen fragment can then be eaten up by special phagocytes in the skin and presented to the white blood cells. Since not just a single, but many of these small allergen fragments are absorbed through the surface of the skin, a pronounced immune reaction begins immediately. In the course of this immune reaction, inflammatory processes (eczema) develop in the skin areas with direct allergen contact. In the case of so-called stasis eczema, the disease is based on a chronic insufficiency of the venous vessels. However, this form of eczema occurs preferentially on the lower legs. Eczema on the finger is mostly atopic or allergic-toxic contact eczema.

Symptoms of eczema on the finger

The extent of the typical symptoms of eczema on the finger depends on the cause (etiology), as well as after the onset of the disease (Pathogenesis). As a rule, the symptoms are most pronounced in people who suffer from so-called contact eczema. Nevertheless, regardless of the exact form of the disease, every eczema on the finger has a characteristic sequence of symptoms in the various stages.

Small blisters on the finger with eczema

In the initial stage, eczema on the finger shows up by noticeable reddening of the skin surface. If a suitable treatment is initiated at this point, the skin lesion will usually heal without any problems. On the other hand, if the affected skin continues to be exposed to the causative factor, small blisters develop. The blisters that appear on the finger as a result of eczema are typically filled with a clear liquid. As the disease progresses, the vesicles begin to burst and dry out more and more. At this stage, the affected patients often feel itching caused by the blisters. People who observe persistent skin changes on their fingers that are accompanied by the formation of blisters should urgently consult a specialist (dermatologist) as soon as possible.

Acute stage

The onset of the disease can be seen in the affected patient light reddening of the skinwho are restricted to the fingers, observe (Erythematosum stage). In less pronounced cases or after immediately avoiding the trigger, the eczema on the finger can heal completely after a few days. With a pronounced skin reaction, on the other hand, the disease progresses from the reddening of the skin. In affected patients, small to pin-sized vesicles can be observed on the finger just a few days after the reddening of the skin occurs (Vesicolosum stage). These vesicles are usually with clear liquid filled and can with a severe itching accompanied. In most cases, these liquid-filled blisters burst open within a very short time and begin to close wet and to dry out (Madidans stadium). Immediately after drying out, one forms firm crust on the affected finger (Crustosum stage). In addition, it can develop a pronounced in the area of eczema on the finger Flaking come (Squamosum stage). If the trigger of the eczema on the finger is avoided, the skin below the crust begins to heal.

Read more about the topic here Blister on finger

Chronic stage

In people who have the triggering stimulus permanently or repeatedly exposed the eczema on the finger cannot heal adequately. As a result, the skin reaction can become chronic. Typical of chronic eczema on the finger is the fact that the individual disease stages (Reddening of the skin, blisters, crusts and scales) at the same time and alternately next to each other occur. In addition, in particularly pronounced cases, small inflammatory nodules and scars form. In contrast to acute eczema, chronic eczema on the finger has a less sharply defined extent.

Atopic eczema on fingers

Atopic eczema is the appearance of the skin that occurs as part of atopic dermatitis - better known as neurodermatitis. This occurs preferentially in places where skin lies on skin - for example, the bends of the joints, but can theoretically affect any part of the skin. Atopic eczema can also affect the hand and fingers. The skin then appears slightly reddened, can appear a little rough, is sensitive and often itches.

It is important to protect and care for the affected skin; if the infestation is severe and stressful, a doctor can prescribe creams containing cortisone, which lead to rapid healing. Do you work with many substances that stress the skin, e.g. with cleaning agents or chemicals, sufficient protection of the affected skin should be ensured.

Neurodermatitis is mostly a chronic disease that can recur again and again on different skin areas and can therefore affect the fingers again even after healing.

Learn more at: Neurodermatitis on the finger and fingernails

Weeping eczema on the finger

Weeping eczema can also appear on the fingers. The causes are numerous and range from allergic reactions to certain environmental substances (e.g. nickel) to chronic diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Weeping eczema can also indicate bacterial inflammation of the skin.
In the case of weeping eczema, good skin care must be observed. The eczema should get as much air as possible and not be permanently covered by a plaster. Since it can also be an inflammation with pathogens, care should be taken that the wound secretion does not come into contact with other people. The correct therapy for weeping eczema on the finger should be determined by a doctor depending on the cause.

diagnosis

Diagnosing eczema on the finger as such is usually quite easy. The real problem is rather who is responsible for the appearance of the skin change Determine the trigger. For this reason, the anamnesis (doctor-patient conversation) plays a decisive role in the diagnosis of eczema on the finger. In this context, the following should be clarified in particular:

since when the disease has existed
when the development of eczema has started (time of day, season)
whether the symptoms can be alleviated or made worse by certain measures
whether there is a connection between the localization of eczema and a possible trigger (such as a ring)
whether there are allergies
which job the affected patient exercises

In addition, the physical examination help assess the extent of the skin disease. During the examination, the dermatologist pays particular attention to the typical signs of eczema. If an allergic reaction is already suspected, a Allergy test help to determine the cause of the appearance of eczema on the finger.

Possible complication of eczema on the finger

People who notice particularly pronounced or recurring eczema on their fingers should consult a specialist (dermatologist) as soon as possible. Only in this way can the immediate cause of the appearance of the skin appearance be determined, appropriate treatment initiated and possible complications prevented. Especially with eczema on the finger, there is a risk of a so-called bacterial or viral superinfection. In the affected patients, the healing of the eczema is greatly delayed. In addition, noticeable scars often appear on the finger after a superinfection.

Treating eczema on the finger

The treatment of eczema on the finger depends on both the severity and the direct cause of the skin change.

Regardless of the triggering factor, the most important measure in the treatment of finger eczema is to identify and avoid the allergen or toxin. Only in this way can the skin changes heal adequately. If the development of the eczema on the finger is directly related to the occupation practiced by the patient concerned (so-called occupational disease), a change of job and / or retraining should be considered. If eczema develops on the finger, especially during or after the housework, it is essential to use solvent-free products when using cleaners. These are demonstrably less damaging to the skin surface. In addition, unpowdered, anti-allergenic protective gloves should ideally be worn. To avoid sweating under these protective gloves and in this way to additionally prevent the development of eczema on the finger, thin cotton gloves can be worn. The daily use of disinfectants, fabric softeners or fragrances should also be greatly reduced by those affected if possible.

Furthermore, eczema on the finger can be treated by using ointments and poultices. In the case of acute eczema on the finger, which is also wet, treatment with hydrophilic (aqueous) lotions and moist compresses is usually particularly suitable. On the other hand, eczema on the finger that already has cornifications, crusts and / or scales should be treated with skin-regenerating fatty ointments. In order to ensure successful treatment of the eczema, these ointments must be used for at least 14 days even after the acute symptoms have subsided. Regardless of which ointment or lotion is chosen to treat eczema on the finger, it is particularly important that the product is free of possible allergens. Ideally, those affected should seek advice on this from a pharmacy or the treating dermatologist. In particularly pronounced cases, treatment with a cortisone preparation can also be useful. Acute eczema on the fingers usually respond very well to this form of treatment.In this context, however, it must be noted that cortisone is only suitable as an acute medication and not for long-term therapy. If a bacterial suprain infection occurs on the finger as a result of eczema, an ointment containing antibiotics must also be used.

Ointment against eczema on the finger

In some cases it is sufficient to apply eczema on the finger locally with the help of one Ointment or cream to treat. Above all, the relief of the symptoms typical of eczema can be ensured by regularly applying an ointment. When using an ointment, lotion or cream, however, it is essential to ensure that only antiallergic, skin-friendly products be applied. In addition, the choice of the most suitable ointment depends largely on the stage of the skin change on the finger. While a hydrophilic (aqueous) ointment should preferably be used for weeping, damp eczema, one is suitable fatty ointment or cream especially good for treating dry and / or flaky eczema. In very pronounced cases, the additional application of a Cortisone-containing ointment be inevitable. In this context, however, it must be noted that cortisone ointments are only suitable for the acute treatment of eczema. Long-term use of this substance is considered rather counterproductive. The local application of an ointment containing antibiotics or antimycotics is always useful when a superinfection is with bacteria or Mushrooms has been proven.

Homeopathy and home remedies for eczema

Eczema on the finger does not always have to be treated with highly potent drugs. Home remedies or products from the homeopathic field can help alleviate the symptoms and promote the healing process, especially with less pronounced forms. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are considered to be an effective home remedy for treating less pronounced eczema on the finger. For this reason, people who repeatedly suffer from such skin changes should pay attention to a balanced diet that contains many fish products. In addition, there are a variety of alternative medicinal herbs that can be helpful for mild eczema.
The substances balloon vines, borage and bitter-sweet nightshade, which are also used in homeopathy, are ideal home remedies for treating eczema on the fingers. However, with some of these home remedies the effect is delayed after about five to twelve weeks. Another home remedy for eczema on the fingers that can be assigned to homeopathy is evening primrose oil. This alternative remedy must be taken orally in capsule form. Even when treating eczema with evening primrose oil, an effect can only be expected with a delay of several weeks.
In addition, vitamin E is considered a suitable home remedy in the treatment of itchy skin changes. Particularly large amounts of this vitamin are found in wheat germ, vegetable oils and seeds. With the additional supply of vitamin E, however, it must be noted that people who regularly have to take blood-thinning medication should consult their doctor. The reason for this is the fact that large amounts of vitamin E affect blood clotting.

Home remedies for eczema on the finger

There are a variety of home remedies that can be used to help with eczema on the finger. For example, lemon, soaked oat flakes, turmeric, chamomile or honey are considered anti-inflammatory and can thus contribute to healing and pain relief. Aloe Vera also has a calming effect on the skin. Tea tree oil and chamomile also have a disinfecting effect.
It is also important to give the eczema enough fresh air and not to cover it with a plaster all day. If these home remedies do not help the eczema to heal quickly, it is advisable to consult a doctor so that he can determine the cause and therapy.

Homeopathy for eczema on the finger

Many patients rely on homeopathy to treat eczema on their fingers. It should be noted that there is no scientific proof of the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies and that a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms persist. Possible preparations could be Arsenicum album for severe itching, Graphites and Galphima for neurodermatitis, and Sulfur and Thuja for rather fatty eczema. An experienced homeopath can recommend the right preparations and dosages.