thumbs need help

[blondie1015]

I went to a dermatologist and he said I had eczema on my fingers. He gave me some cream to use. My thumbs have been peeling down to raw skin for the past 2 1/2 months. They seem to get well and then they will start peeling again. I am so tired of this. Someone PlEASE help me. Tell me what to do.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your dermatologist has prescribed the correct treatment as triamcinolone is a topical steroid. But make sure to apply it only for the prescribed time as it is a topical high potency steroid and hence it may cause side effects if used for a long time. You can wear cotton gloves as they absorb sweating which exaggerates the condition.

Since eczema is triggered by stress and other allergens, so your perming of the hair and the exposure to chemicals may be the causative factor in your case.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[blondie1015]

Thank you so much. I was told to keep cotton gloves on my hands. What do you think about doing that? I went to a dermatologist and he said I had ezema and prescribed me Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, 0.1%. Is that what I need to put on it? Please give me your advise on this. I have had this over 2 months and I am so tired of trying to get it well. I also had a perm and the next day my fingers started doing this. I burned my hair bad. Could this be associated with this? Thank you so far. My dermatologist didn't really know what this was when I went to him. I'll keep you informed as to how my fingers are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms of your hands are suggestive of dyshidrotic eczema. It is also called pompholyx. It primarily involves the hands and fingers and then may involve the feet. The first stage is acute and presents as itchy blisters on the hands, fingers and toes. Then the chronic stage shows more peeling, cracking, or crusting. Then the skin heals up, or the blistering may start again. The exact cause is not known and excessive sweating can be one of the reasons. But some triggers like allergic reaction to soaps, detergents, foods, latex, nickel etc may trigger the symptoms.

Apply some calamine lotion on the affected area and keep the area well moisturized. Use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition. Topical steroids can be applied but they are available under prescription. Moreover to prevent infection, topical antibiotics may be needed. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

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.