flaking, peeling skin on thumb and palm

ive had this problem for about 2 years and i have tried everything lotions, creams, everything!
on my thumb i have flaking cracking peeling itchy red skin...and it is now spread to my palm and
it hurts and i just dont know what to do i really need help to get rid of this problem so please help
out in any way you can thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility for your symptoms is eczema skin which presents as itchy, dry peeling skin. 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, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid.But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.