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Neurodermatitis on the finger and fingernails

introduction

Eczema, too Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is a chronic skin condition that most commonly affects babies and young children. Depending on the age, the eczematous foci are typically found in different locations. In small children and adults, the fingers are often affected. In addition, neurodermatitis sufferers can experience changes to their fingernails.

Causes of atopic dermatitis on the finger

The causes of neurodermatitis on the finger are a combination of various factors.

It is known that there is a familial predisposition to the disease. Children of parents who suffer from neurodermatitis or who have suffered from it in childhood have an increased risk of developing neurodermatitis as well. In addition, there are various food allergies (especially in childhood) that can lead to neurodermatitis symptoms.
For example, allergies to milk, soy, wheat, nuts, eggs or fish. Allergies to house dust mites or animal hair can also trigger neurodermatitis.

In people with atopic dermatitis, there are also various factors that can trigger the onset of an acute attack. These include, for example, the consumption of certain foods such as strawberries or tomatoes, profuse sweating, skin contact with scratchy woolen fabrics or very dry air.

Which triggers lead to an acute flare-up varies greatly from person to person.

You might also be interested in that: Is eczema contagious?

Which accompanying symptoms occur in atopic dermatitis on the finger?

The most typical accompanying symptom of neurodermatitis in the area of the fingers is excruciating itching. The eczematous foci are often raised, bright red and oozing in the acute episode. Scratching worsens the skin and can lead to bacterial infections Superinfections, come.

Generally the skin is rough and dry.
It is not uncommon for children with neurodermatitis to suffer from hay fever. In the pollen season there is then increased runny nose (rhinitis) and red, itchy, watery eyes. Asthma is also more common in children with neurodermatitis. This leads to attacks with shortness of breath and recurring coughing.

For detailed information on this topic, see: You can recognize atopic dermatitis by these symptoms

Itching in atopic dermatitis

Itching is one of the most agonizing symptoms of eczema. In the acute episode, there are weeping, blistered rashes between the fingers that are itchy.

Scratching brings short-term relief, but ultimately only makes the skin worse. Since the disease mainly affects children, the itching is often difficult to control. It is therefore essential to always keep your nails trimmed short in order to minimize the consequences of scratching.

Blisters in atopic dermatitis

An acute episode of atopic dermatitis leads to a blistering rash. While the skin tends to be dry in the interval, i.e. in the phase between 2 attacks, in the acute attack, due to the formation of blisters, a very weeping, red rash often appears.

Nail changes in neurodermatitis

Changes to the nails are not a typical sign of neurodermatitis. However, they can occasionally occur.

Among other things, so-called gloss nails are described. These are fingernails that look polished due to the frequent scratching due to the itching that is typical of neurodermatitis.
As a chronic sign of atopic dermatitis, some sufferers also have transverse grooves on individual nails.

Special features of atopic dermatitis of the fingertips

The fingertips are not a typical localization of a typical neurodermatitis. The spaces between the fingers and the back of the hand as well as the wrists are more often affected.

However, there is a kind of special form of atopic dermatitis in which the fingertips are particularly and almost exclusively affected. This is pulpitis sicca. There are painful tears in the area of the fingertips and toe tips. Areas that are subject to higher stress such as the thumb, index and middle fingers are particularly affected. Symptoms often worsen, especially in winter.
Drying processes such as long contact with water or frequent contact with soap can be triggers.

Diagnosis of neurodermatitis on the finger

The typical localization and the relatively characteristic appearance of the rash are usually sufficient to make a suspected diagnosis of neurodermatitis.
While the head area as well as the knees and elbows are often affected in infants, atopic dermatitis often occurs in the fingers and hands of older children and affected adults.

Often there are also relatives who also suffer from neurodermatitis or who suffered from it in childhood. Further tests are particularly useful if a food allergy is suspected as a trigger for atopic dermatitis. The dermatologist is the first point of contact.

Are you interested in this topic? For detailed information, see: Neurodermatitis in the crook of the arm

Treatment of neurodermatitis on the finger

The therapy options for atopic dermatitis of the fingers correspond to the generally applicable treatment strategies for atopic dermatitis. The most important pillar of treatment is basic therapy. This is the daily skin care routine with moisturizing, moisturizing creams. There are numerous products on the market. Which are most suitable can usually only be found out by trial and error.

In the case of an acute episode, it is often necessary to use ointments containing cortisone. Common preparations contain hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone and mometasone.

In recent years, the group of calcineurin inhibitors has also come to the fore in the therapy of neurodermatitis. If therapy with cortisone-containing ointments does not lead to sufficient improvement, ointments containing tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used.

In addition, potential triggers should generally be avoided. The same triggers do not cause an acute flare-up in every person with neurodermatitis. Scratchy woolen fabrics, fabric softeners, soaps (better: pH-neutral washing emulsions) and exposure to smoke should be avoided.

Learn more about this at:

Treatment of atopic dermatitis
Cortisone in atopic dermatitis
Proper nutrition for atopic dermatitis

Gloves for atopic dermatitis on the finger

Particularly in young children, the excruciating itching can lead to severe scratching. This leads to an additional worsening of the eczema.

It may therefore be necessary to take appropriate protective measures. In addition to so-called neurodermatitis suits, there are also special gloves that can be used as scratch protection for neurodermatitis sufferers.
They are made from breathable cotton fabric. Such gloves can be used as scratch protection, especially during the unattended hours of the night.

In general, people with neurodermatitis should wear gloves whenever possible if they have been in contact with water and skin-irritating substances, such as when rinsing off. There are also special gloves available in stores for this, which are both skin-friendly and waterproof. Conventional rubber gloves are often not suitable.

These home remedies can help with eczema

In addition to the above-mentioned drug therapy, there are home remedies that can be used to treat an acute neurodermatitis flare-up or to alleviate its symptoms.

Cooling compresses can be used to relieve the itching. Either cold packs can be used for this or moist cotton towels can be placed on the affected skin areas. Cotton towels that can be wrapped around the affected fingers are particularly useful for atopic dermatitis between the fingers.

Saline and black tea compresses can also provide relief. In the case of very weeping eczema, black tea compresses are usually preferable. For this, a very strong black tea should be brewed. After cooling, a clean cotton towel or compress can be soaked in the tea and wrapped around the affected fingers. The envelopes can then be left for 10-15 minutes. They are used to soothe the skin and relieve itching.

Find out more about the topic here: Home remedies for atopic dermatitis.

Prognosis in atopic dermatitis of the fingers

The prognosis for atopic dermatitis of the fingers is - as with atopic dermatitis in other locations - relatively good. If atopic dermatitis occurs for the first time in childhood, there is usually a significant decrease in skin symptoms up to school age.

In adulthood, the symptoms are mostly of a minor nature. However, people who have suffered from atopic dermatitis have sensitive, dry skin for the rest of their lives, which must be carefully cared for on a regular basis.

Read on below: How to take care of your skin with atopic dermatitis