Red dry cracked fingertips wont heal

[Thejacksx]

i have a skin condition that effects my fingertips. It has so far lasted about 4-5 months now. my finger tips are a pinkish red color, the skin is very thin, cracks and bleeds incredibly easy. it is very itchy and really painful at times. it started out on just my thumb, then it started on my index finger then my ring finger, etc. then it spread to the thumb on my other hand. but in the last month or so it hasn't effected any other fingers on that hand.

i've used countless lotions, quarterzone creams, Fungal creams, oils etc. i wear latex gloves at work and sometimes when i sleep so they don't dry out and worsen, but as soon as i remove the gloves and lotion them within an hour they will begin to worsen. I have run out of ideas, and cant exactly afford to see a dermatologist right now so any advise or ideas of what it might be would be a lot of help. thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to contact dermatitis and 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.
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.

[maatson]

A cumulative insult dermatitis is likely. Try emollients like glycerine cremes or even vaseline for long term.
Best wishes.