Finger Tips Cracking

[ansyed56]

I live in Pakistan, where hot summer starts from April and ends in August. September-November are moderate with rains in July and August. The period of Dec  - March is very cold.
Every year in September, the skin of my index finger and thumb tips starts drying, harding, cracking and some time bleeding. This remains till March and then the problem goes away till September. Similarly my heeals show the same behavior in the same period.

Need Help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis without clinical examination and fungal infection is one of the possibilities. From the recent symptoms that you have mentioned, eczema is an important possibility. Follow the tips given and you should benefit.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[ansyed56]

I am very grateful to Dr. Kaur for her advice.
However, what is not understandable is that if it is fungal infection, then why it is limited to two (1) fingures only (2) why it strats in September (end of hot weather) and ends in April (start of hot weather).  

I will be grateful for further advice and expalaination.

Regards

Ahmad Nadeem Syed

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to contact dermatitis and contact with harsh detergents, soaps and lotions. Sometimes cold, dry air can cause  peeling and dermatitis or fungal infections can also cause peeling.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid.

Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. During the day, hydrate and protect hands with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections and eczema have to be ruled out then. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[ansyed56]

Thanks!,
I will surely buy this book.

[Peanuts2]

There is a book out that is called Prescription for Alternative Healing by Dr. Balch.  This mentions all symptoms of the fingernails plus other diseases from A-Z and is worth every penny....you might want to invest in it!