Swollen, Dry, Cracked, Itchy Knuckle

[yankees365]

One of my middle knuckles and my pinkie finger have swollen, dry, cracked and itchy skin on the knuckle area...on my pinkie it extends down the side of my finger somewhat.  Does anyone have any idea what this might be and what I can do to fix it.  I am awaiting insurance to get instated before going to the doctor, so I am trying to figure out what to do in the meantime.

Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be eczema. 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 eczema 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). Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. 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.

[mare415]

I have the same thing on the same fingers and hand.  It is so aggravating. I want to know some treatments for it.
Mary Ellen