palms of my hands

[dominogiy]

the skin on my palms and thumb has big patches of really thick hard dry skin which crack open and are painfull.i have tried steriod creams (doveobet)ect. i contantly have to use moisturisers (lotil cream) to no avail.the skin gets so thick i can rub i with sand paper, but still comes back thicker. any idea what this is its only on hands.i have a little eczema on my elbow.


This discussion is related to Dry thick hard scaly skin on ankles.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
This could be part of the eczema that you are prone to or extremely dry skin which fissures just like cracked heels do.

You can use any of the following steroid ointments-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). Medium-potency corticosteroids such as clobetasone butyrate (Eumovate), Betamethasone Valerate (Betnovate) or triamcinolone are also available.

Start with the the less potent ones first before trying the more potent ones.Hydrocortisone may be available OTC.

Some common emollients( MOISTENING AGENTS)  for the relief of eczema include Oilatum, Balneum, Medi Oil, Diprobase, bath oils and aqueous cream. Sebexol, Epaderm ointment and Eucerin lotion or cream may also be helpful with itchiing.
Avoid contact with soaps and harsh detergents as they have a drying effect.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema