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Itchy finger and toe tips.

I have got a problem. My finger and toe tips get very itchy every winter. This happens whenever I get them wet or when it gets extremly cold. What could be the problem? Please help.
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Avatar universal
Hi,
This could be an allergic reaction to the cold, a condition called 'physical allergy'. Physical allergies are allergic reactions to cold, sunlight, heat, or minor injury.

The immune system usually responds only to certain kinds of chemicals, namely proteins. However, non-proteins can trigger the same sort of response, probably by altering a protein to make it look like a target. Physical allergy refers to reactions in which a protein is not the initial inciting agent.
Cold can change certain proteins in the blood so that they induce an immune reaction. Sometimes it can indicate an underlying medical condition like abnormal proteins in the blood from a disease of the bone marrow.

Regular antihistamines are not generally effective. The antihistamine cyproheptadine (Periactin) has been found to be a useful treatment. The tricyclic antidepressant doxepin has also been found to be an effective blocker of histamine release. Finally, a medication called ketotifen, which keeps mast cells from releasing histamine, has also been used with success.

ref:http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/common/standard/transform.jsp?requestURI=/healthatoz/Atoz/ency/physical_allergy.jsp
ref:http://dermatology.about.com/cs/hives/a/coldurt.htm

It is best that you first get this confirmed by a dermatologist before any medications are started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

From what you describe, you could be having chilblains. Chilblains are acral ulcers that occur when a predisposed individual is exposed to cold and humidity.

The symptoms include-
Ulceration of the digits and toes
Itchy skin inflammation
Skin redness
Toe skin inflammation
Finger skin inflammation
Earlobe inflammation

You could read more about this at the following link-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilblain

To help prevent these -
Avoid rapid changes in temperature, Wear gloves, Use warm footwear, Keep hands and feet warm, Healthy diet, Exercise, High doses of vitamin K, Keep feet warm & dry! also take painkillers, and avoid alcohol before going out in snow.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.











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