localized dry skin

For a couple months I have had dry, cracked skin on the terminal knuckle of the middle finger of my dominant hand. I've tried many different lotions, including Cortizone-10, and have tried leaving it alone. The affected area is localized to one side of the knuckle. The skin feels dry, rough, and thick, is slightly pink around the cracks, and the cracking won't heal. There's no pain, but I can feel the skin crack further when I bend my finger. Thank you for any suggestions.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The possibility of dry skin has to be ruled out in your case. Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the stratum corneum for it to function properly. Too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils which in turn causes dry skin.

The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day.You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persist then possibility of eczema or atopic dermatitis have to be ruled out. 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.