Cracked fingertips
definition
Cracked fingertips (also known as "pulpitis sicca" in technical terms) are an often protracted tendency to dry fingertips that can tear in very dry areas. It is also known as "dry fingertip eczema" and often causes problems for those affected with everyday things. It occurs preferentially in winter and can have various causes. Together with torn corners of the mouth or earlobes, it is a special form of neurodermatitis, which is one of the most common skin diseases.
Symptoms
The symptoms of "pulpitis sicca" are minor Tears on the fingertipswhich can usually be accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling and also pain. This can lead to a restriction in everyday life. Bleeding is also possible in the case of deep tears.
Usually the "Pulpitis sicca“With extreme dry skin hand in hand. If the skin is very brittle, the affected areas can also burst. See also: Cracked skin
Pain as a symptom of cracked fingertips
The fingertips are very sensitive as there are many sensitive structures that enable us to have a good sense of touch. There may be cracks in the skin of the fingertips burning uncomfortable pain entail. Especially in the winter can cause additional dehydration of the skin cold air be very painful.
We recommend wearing Gloves. Also the careful Creaming the skin with greasy creams relieves cracked skin.
However, the root cause for the painful cracks can be clarified so that, for example, deficiency symptoms or existing skin diseases can be treated.
causes
The skin on the fingertips is one of the most sensitive and sensitive areas on the human body, as it is supplied with blood and nerves. Most of the tactile receptors that humans need to feel are also here.
Even small tears and wounds in this area are perceived as very annoying and restrictive in everyday life, as the hands are required for almost every activity.
There are various reasons and causes for these cracks and wounds on the fingertips, which do not necessarily apply to every person, as there are people who have more sensitive skin than others. The familial predisposition to quickly drying skin is the main risk factor for cracked fingertips.
In addition to this, there are other external influences that can be influenced, for example, by work or everyday life. Frequent contact with water, alkaline liquids or detergents without the protection of gloves allows the fingertips to dry out particularly quickly.
Working with acidic substances (such as lemons) also attacks the skin on the fingertips and promotes the formation of cracks.
A lot of contact with wood or earth can also stress the skin.
Another factor influencing the skin is the cold: cold air causes the skin to dry out more quickly and thus promotes the development of cracked fingertips. Problems with cracked fingertips are more common in winter.
Some fingers are more likely to be affected than others. The thumb, middle and index fingers, which are used most frequently and in almost all grasping processes, have a higher risk of developing dry, cracked skin than the little finger or ring finger.
Read more on the topic : Chapped fingers
In addition, atopic dermatitis can also show on the fingertips. This special form of the skin disease is also called Pulptits sicca and is rare.
Learn more about this at: Neurodermatitis on the fingers and fingernails
Vitamin deficiency - a possible cause of cracked fingertips?
Cracked fingertips can be considered Expression of a vitamin deficiency occur. Often the symptoms of a vitamin deficiency are rather unspecific and difficult to assign to a particular vitamin. In particular, slight deficiency symptoms can be difficult to differentiate from one another. A deficiency of various vitamins can lead to one in general cracked and dry skin to lead. They are specifically Vitamins A and Cwhich lead to cracked fingertips in the event of a pronounced deficiency.
However, when these vitamins are deficient, other symptoms are more prominent than the cracked fingertips. Vitamin A plays an important role in the Function and structure of skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A deficiency is a widespread problem, especially in developing countries. In addition to dry and cracked skin, it comes to, among other things Visual disturbances, iron deficiency, hair loss, kidney stones, fatigue and Stunted growth.
Another vitamin is very important for the function and integrity of the skin, namely that vitamin C. At a Vitamin C deficiency it comes to a disease, which one as scurvy designated. In contrast to developing countries, this hardly plays a role anymore in the western industrialized nations. Due to the shortage arise among other things Cracked skin, small skin bleeding, bleeding gums, muscle pain and a excessive horn formation on the skin.
You might also be interested in: Vitamin deficiency
Iron deficiency - a possible cause of cracked fingertips
Iron deficiency is particularly common in the female population widened widely. Estimated 10% of European women of childbearing age suffer from one Iron deficiency anemia, in developing countries it is even up to 50 %. The iron deficiency shows relatively characteristic symptoms, including among others Fatigue, exhaustion, paleness and dry and cracked skin belong. Cracked fingertips can occur with an iron deficiency.
Other accompanying symptoms such as brittle nails and a Grooving of the nails are also typical and substantiate the suspicion.
Common causes of iron deficiency are chronic bleeding. In women, menstrual periods often cause iron deficiency. Also a lack of iron supply, for example by a vegetarian or vegan diet can lead to iron deficiency.
You might also be interested in: Iron Deficiency Symptoms
Allergy - a possible cause of cracked fingertips
Cracked fingertips can also occur under a allergic reaction at a allergic contact eczema arise.
When the hands come into contact with the triggering allergen, eczema develops, which among other things leads to cracked and flaky skin. Possible allergens are, for example Nickel, chromium and cobalt compounds but also Dyes and fragrances such as latex and Pesticides.
Especially with chronic contact dermatitis, the skin becomes dry, flaky and prone to cracking.
You might also be interested in: Rash from an allergy, Nickel allergy
Atopic dermatitis - used to treat cracked fingertips
Neurodermatitis is one inflammatory disease the skin, which leads to very itchy and dry skin. In principle, the skin symptoms of the Neurodermatitiswhich appear as dry, flaky redness all over the skin. However, there are common areas of the body where they show up. Hence these body regions are called Predilection sites. Cracks on the fingertips can and are in the context of neurodermatitis more in adult than in childhood to find.
Fungal infections - not a cause of cracked fingertips
Fungal diseases of the skin usually result Not too cracked fingertips. More typical are scaly, red, round skin appearances, which especially on Edge dark and in theirs Middle bright are. However, real cracks in the fingertips are not caused by fungal diseases of the skin.
therapy
For people with chapped fingertips, there are many steps you can take to help alleviate the symptoms.
The most important thing is to protect your fingertips from drying. This is mainly due to Moisturizers that contain 10-15% urea (urea) included, achieved.
Working gently and wearing Rubber gloves for example when rinsing, can positively influence and accelerate the healing process.
When washing hands, soap should be avoided at times or a pH- Skin neutral Variant can be used.
In winter, wearing it helps warming gloves, to the hands to protect from the cold and the own moisture build-up skin to promote.
In the case of deep and long-standing cracks, it is recommended to carefully cut off the edges of the crack so that no soapy liquid can collect in the depths of the surrounding area skin withdraws even more fluid. Disinfected nail scissors should be used to prevent infection. An infection is suspected if the typical signs of inflammation redness, swelling and overheating are visible. Such fingertips, like any deeper skin wound, should have a antibiotic Ointment and a bandage or plaster should be supplied and protected from water and pollution.
Homeopathy - used to treat cracked fingertips
In homeopathy, various remedies / globules are available for the treatment of dry, cracked skin and cracked fingertips. Their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven, nor can general recommendations for the agents be given.
Even among homeopaths there is disagreement about the use of the substances, so that various recommendations can be found, however no uniform recommendation can be assigned. Here are some examples of homeopathic remedies that are used for cracked fingertips: petroleum in the powers D3 to D12, Sanicula in the power of D12, Calcium fluoratum in the power of D 12.
You might also be interested in: Homeopathy for neurodermatitis with predominantly dry skin
Creams - used to treat cracked fingertips
There is a Variety of creams and ointmentsto help against dry and chapped skin.
But how effective are these products? Can you fix it? For example, cracked fingertips are an expression of one Vitamin deficiency or one allergy be.
Creams can be found here don't fix the cause, so it is best to get a Dermatologist advise and examine. At a allergic contact eczema Creams and ointments with a high fat content and cortisone are used.
Skin conditions like that Neurodermatitis, which can also lead to cracked and dry fingertips, require special therapy. However, basic skin care is also a part of this moisturizing creams for treatment. Additionally, creams come with the Ingredients cortisone and tacrolimus to use. They inhibit inflammation and relieve the symptoms.
Many over-the-counter ointments and creams that are supposed to help against cracked and dry skin contain ingredients such as urea as well as one Water and fat content. The composition varies depending on the manufacturer and intended use.
You might also be interested in: Skin care for atopic dermatitis
Home remedies - to treat cracked fingertips
There are many different home remedies for dry, cracked fingertips and hands, which everyone has to test individually. Some home remedies help one thing better and another worse, so you can't make a general statement about their effectiveness.
Make sure you have causes like one Vitamin and iron deficiency or any other illness exclude by a doctor or get adequate treatment. Home remedies cannot cure any skin disease, but they can be very useful for supporting therapy or alleviating symptoms. See below some examples for home remedies for cracked fingertips:
- Lemon and honey mixture for the hands:
Mix honey and lemon in roughly equal proportions. Rub it into your hands extensively. Leave the mixture at will, however act for at least 5 minutes, then wash your hands with lukewarm water. Then dry your hands carefully. You can do this repeat several times a week. Caution: the lemon can be painful in the case of bloody wounds on the fingertips! Therefore, it is better to avoid this home remedy if you have such complaints. - Olive oil and yogurt regimen:
Give about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in approximately 150 grams of natural yogurt. Greek yogurt is recommended for a greasier consistency. Heat put the yogurt in a double boiler so that it is lukewarm. Rub your hands generously with the mixture. You are welcome to use the yogurt over night Leave to work under cotton gloves. However, you can also use the mixture after 20 minutes Rinse with lukewarm water. Dry your hands well!
You might also be interested in: Home remedies for dry skin
Honey - home remedies for treating cracked fingertips
Honey and beeswax are popular, natural ingredients for many skin creams, ointments and home remedies for dry and chapped skin.
Honey can not the cause for the cracked fingertips, for example an iron deficiency or an allergy, but it can, if used on the skin, the Relieve discomfort.
Whether a cream or ointment works well has to be tested individually on the skin. You can do something as a home remedy Honey with cottage cheese or yogurt mix and apply to the affected areas. This moisturizing mixture can provide relief for cracked skin.
Also contain many over-the-counter skin products for dry and chapped skin honey and Beeswax.
You might also be interested in: Honey against dry lips
Which doctor can help?
Many sufferers do not consider cracked fingertips to be a real disease and try to treat the symptoms at home.
For stubborn long-lasting tears, with Pain and inflammation go hand in hand, the visit to Dermatologist definitely recommended, as he is familiar with such complaints.
prophylaxis
For people who very sensitive fingertips and often suffer from cracked fingertips in winter, for example, there are some measures you can take to protect yourself from cracks and these prevent.
It is recommended to dry Fingertips always keep moist with plenty of ointment. Products that help particularly well here are hand creams containing urea or ointments that contain lanolin. Even the conventional one vaseline- or Bepanthen Ointment helps to increase the moisture level of the affected areas and the skin to protect from tears. Also recommended are oils that contain the natural fats of the skin resemble. If a lotion contains coconut or shea butter it is also used to maintain the natural moisture skin suitable. Everyone concerned should find out for themselves which cream is best tolerated and offers the greatest protection.
In the case of particularly deep cracks, a special "liquid film dressing“Can be used from the pharmacy. This protects the skin in addition to keeping the cracks in the skin moist from external influences and prevents existing wounds from opening again.
Urgently should be avoided Creams or ointments that contain alcohol are.
When dealing with acidic, aggressive substances are rubber gloves to protect the skin highly recommended. People with very sensitive skin should also be careful about rinsing or handling detergent and as a preventive measure before dry skin put on gloves.
When washing your hands, a soap containing herbal or olive oil can reduce the hands protect better than a normal soap from the drugstore. In addition, it should be closed hot water be dispensed with as this is your own Reduced skin moisture. It is more recommended here lukewarm or cool Water. Also is a too frequent hand washing a facilitating risk factor for cracking Fingertips. In winter it is advisable to wear warming gloves in the cold air as protection against dry, cracked air skin an important measure.
But also within the living rooms should be on a certain in winter humidity Care must be taken, as heating air that is too dry is also more sensitive Skin areas favored.
