Eczema destroying cuticle/nail matrix

I have severe eczema on my hands and recently the dry skin has begun to eat away at the skin on my cuticle/proximal nail area. Its been 2 weeks and now the cuticle is completly gone and i can see white flecks of where i assume the nail begins to form. what should I do... my dermatologist doesnt have any appointments available for 2 months.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is very unlikely for eczema to show such nail symptoms. For such symptoms the possibility of fungal infection of the nail needs to be ruled out. On this, the nail plate can have a thickened, yellow, or black appearance. The nails can become rough and crumbly, or can separate from the nail bed. Topical and oral antifungals are needed which are available under prescription. My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist and get a KOH examination of the nail and skin specimen done to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.