Dry and cracked fingers, flaky palm

[potatans]

I have a long standing (5 or 6 years) condition causing dry cracked skin on the edges of my thumbs and first fingers. It gets worse in winter but never really goes away completely in summer. Sometimes the cracks get so deep they are like knife cuts. It appears to have spread in the last 2 years to my palms, although this may be a different condition of course. The backs of my knuckles are dry too, but not as bad as the rest. My skin is generally okay, though I do have a couple of other areas of dryness on my shins (3-4 years), scalp and over one eyelid (8-9 years).

My fingers and thumbs are quite aggravated by most shower gels (e.g. Radox), so I have switched to the mildest one I can find in the supermarket - https://www.sanex.co.uk/products/bath-a ... shower-gel
This offers some relief.

I've tried various moisturisers including over the counter items from the pharmacist, but none of them seem to offer anything more than a short respite, so I've stopped using them generally.

Pictures:
Palm:


Thumb:


Thumb when cracked:


Finger:

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

I am so sorry to hear about your hand problems!
It looks like dermatitis. You may want to ask your GP or dermatologist to prescribe you dermovate ointment. You would still need to continue with greasy moisturisers like Epaderm ointment. If this does not help ask your dermatologist to prescribe you Toctino medication.

I hope this is helpful.
With Best Wishes,

Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
The British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
London, Cambridge, Leicester and Bedford

http://www.alexandroff.org.uk
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