Split dry fingers

[Blondie1957]

Hi I have extremely dry skin on my fingers and thumbs and they split wide open I have had it for about 18 months now.I think it's psoriasis but the last doctor I saw said it's just dry skin and gave me antibiotics because there as infection there

[Dr Anton Alexandroff]

I am so sorry to hear about your fingers! It is so painful!
This could be because of psoriasis or because of dermatitis. You can use very greasy emollients often to moisturise your hands and as a soap substitute e.g. Epaderm ointment, Cetrabene ointment, Hydromol ointment. This may be not enough and in such case can you ask your GP to prescribe you in addition a very strong steroid ointment for your hands e.g. Dermovate ointment? or refer you to a dermatologist for consideration of allergy test (patch testing) and/or strong medicine - e.g. Toctino, Methotrexate, Fumaderm?


I hope this is helpful. You can read more about psoriasis, dermatitis and available treatments on my website.

With best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff FRCP(UK) PhD CCT(Derm) FRSM FAAD
Consultant Dermatologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer
British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
Harley Street Dermatology Offices, Nuffield Health, Spire and BMI Hospitals, London, Cambridge, Bedford and Leicester

http://www.alexandroff.org.uk