Peeling skin on fingers

[lkilichowski]

For approximately 5 years I have had problems with the skin on my fingertips. The fingers that are affected are my thumbs and index fingers, Once in a while my middle finger will crack and peel at the underside of the first knuckle. It starts out with the skin on these fingers getting very hard, almost like a callous and eventually after bending or washing my hands the area that is hard will appear to crack a little and then the skin starts peeling. The peeling starts under or around the nail. I have tried not peeling the skin but sometimes it is so rough or looks bad that I usually use a clipper to cut it rather than peel but if I don't have a clipper I peel it off with my fingers. Sometimes the pieces of skin are almost the whole size of my finger or thumb. It's like they go through a cycle, they get hard and calloused, peel until new skin starts growing and then there is a brief period where they feel and look ok and then they start getting calloused again and everything starts all over. I have been to a dermatologist and tried many creams and ointments, gloves, soaps, you name it I've tried it!  My work involves using a computer for most of the day, do you think this could play a part in the problem? I know that probably sounds silly but I'm to the point where I'm grasping for answers.
Any suggestions?
Linda

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

It is entirely possible that frequent contact of the skin at the fingertips with the computer keyboard would lead to callouses which presents with peeling every now and then. If creams and ointments don't work, you could try changing your keyboard with the soft-type ones.

Hope this helps.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

There are several causes of the symptoms that you are having including blisters, eczema, psoriasis, sun burns, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blister

Most blisters heal naturally and do not require medical attention. As new skin grows beneath the blister, the fluid contained within it will be slowly reabsorbed by the body and the skin on top will dry and peel off.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for the symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.