Dark Knuckles and Itching

[Harshal_P]

I have two conditions to disucss:-

1. Severe Itching on Hands:

I have got this strange condtion since about a month or so. Every evening (after I return from office), I get severe itching on both my hands -  i.e the plams and the back side of it including the fingers. The itching is very severe.  In past,I remember having similar problem but at that time the itching was limited to just a couple of fingers. I did consult a dermatologist at that time and he said it was eczema. It was cured in a weeks time.  Howver, now its all the fingures including front and rear of the palm.  

2. Dark and Hard Knuckles: I have also developed dark and hard knuckles over the past couple of years. Is this due to malnutrition? Due to the above condition (of itching) , I have been scratching my knuckles severely since a month.

Thanks for your time.

[Long007]

I have the same issues with severe eczema and dark knuckles. Based on my researched, i think the medication steroid cream is the cause of the dark knuckle (over used).  I will stop using the med steroid (clobetasol propionate) starting today. Hopefully it will turn back to normal pigmentation color in a week. I been losing sleep with this condition way too long. Good luck

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Hyperpigmentation Removal treatments are used to eradicate darkened areas of the skin which may result from hormones, sun damage, injuries, skin-type characteristics, medications and more.  Hyperpigmentation lesions can be anything from melasma/cholasma often attributed to pregnancy or hormonal imbalances to freckles.

The first step is consulting with a qualified surgeon or dermatologist to determine the cause and then go over your options for a solution.  For instance, you may be a candidate for hydroquinone use in hyperpigmentations but not laser resurfacing.  Some may only need medication cessation or substitution.

For surgical intervention an individual must be in good health, not have any active diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of your treatment.

Laser resurfacing is one among a host of options which you can check on the website quoted below. In this procedure, actual removal of the hyperpigmented areas is done via laser peels.  These treatments evaporate the first few layers (or even deeper) of damaged or pigmented skin to reveal fresh, even toned skin.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

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).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Regards.