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skin problem on my hands
I have dry, cracked fingers and palms. My primary care physician has been prescribing Acid-Mantle (or A-Mantle) skin cream because he thinks I have washed all the acid from my skin. But that is not working. I can't get an appointment with a dermatologist until February. I get 6-8 new cracks on fingers and palms daily. New ones appear as fast as the older ones heal. The cracks are painful. The skin on my fingers flake off. Any suggestions on the cause or the cure?
Best Answer
Could it be soap or detergent causing the problem? I have known this to happen.
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Contact dermatitis and allergic reaction is one of the causes for dry skin of the palms and peeling, cracked hands. It can be due to contact with harsh detergents, soaps and lotions. Sometimes cold, dry air can cause peeling and dermatitis or fungal infections can also cause peeling.
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. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid.
Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. During the day, hydrate and protect hands with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections and eczema have to be ruled out then. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.