Patch of Bad Skin on Finger

[Baldymark]

Hi, I have a patch of skin on my finger which is in a poor way. It is very dry, cracks and the skin is very thin and splits and bleeds at the slightest knock. The patch is darker than the healthy skin around it. It is not itchy or irritating but I fear it could get infected. It has been with me for around 12 months and has slowly got bigger and more of a problem. It is not in evidence anywhere else on my body. I tried Daktarin for about 4 weeks, Canesten for a similar period, and for the last three weeks have been applying Daktacort, none have made any difference. Any advise would be much appreshiated. Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be eczema or psoriasis. 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. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).  Also use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[Baldymark]

Hi,

Thank you for your response. I initially believed it not to be eczema as it is uncharacteristic of the eczema I sometimes get in mild cases on my elbows and ankles i.e. itchy and flaky. I keep it constanly moisturised which helps.

I will take your advice and let you know how things develop.

Thanks again.