Chapped fingers

introduction

Cracked fingers are a problem that many people are familiar with, especially during the cold winter months. The fingers, especially the inside of the fingertip, are one of the most sensitive areas on the body. They are very well supplied with blood and there are many nerves here that enable touching. Therefore, only a very thin layer of skin forms the barrier to the underlying tissue and tears can quickly occur.

Symptoms

The symptoms cracked finger are obvious. The initially dry fingers and hands help persistent lack of moisture Cracks in the skin. This particularly affects the fingers that are exposed to high levels of stress, i.e. the thumb and index finger.

The increasingly dry skin can be seen with the naked eye. There is also a Feeling of tension and the skin begins scaly to become. This can also lead to a itch to lead.

Often the symptoms begin to develop in the area between the fingers and on the knuckles. When the skin tears, it is often bloody and scabs over time.

If the Fingertips The cracked skin can be severe Pain cause there are many nerves running here. The function of the hands is often restricted if the fingers are torn, since many movements are not possible or painful, such as grasping.

causes

In most cases, too frequent hand washing with soap causes cracked and brittle fingers. Conventional soap means that not only the dirt is washed off the hands, but also the layer of fat that is naturally on the skin to protect it from drying out. The natural barrier of the skin is damaged and thus the skin becomes more susceptible to external influences such as inflammation or cold.

Read more on the topic: Brittle hands

This is a big problem, especially in winter, as most people here are very careful to wash their hands often and thoroughly due to the high number of flu-like infections. In addition to damaging the natural protective layer of the skin, the cold wind and dry heating air come in winter, which also remove moisture from the hands. If the hands are not regularly moisturized when they are particularly dry or if they are washed a lot, this can lead to cracks in the skin.

In addition, the predisposition to the rapid formation of skin tears can be genetic. Skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or eczema can also lead to cracked fingers.

Learn more at: Neurodermatitis on the finger and fingernails

diagnosis

The diagnosis of cracked fingers can be made by looking at the hands. A doctor is not absolutely necessary for this.

If the Cracks but very deep or painful are so should a doctor must be sought out to find out the cause.

If the dry fingers do not improve with regular creaming or if they recur, a doctor should clarify whether an illness such as Neurodermatitis the cause is and initiate appropriate therapy.

therapy

Important at cracked fingers is it the hands good to care for. You should be using it regularly moisturizing care products be creamed. Products with urea (urea). This gives the skin the ability to absorb moisture and regenerate from within. The skin should no longer be dried out afterwards and should no longer lead to cracks. Even after washing your hands, you should always apply cream to protect them from drying out.

When choosing a cream, care should be taken to ensure that it is no perfumes and no alcohol contains, as this can make the symptoms worse.

If the skin on the fingers already has cracks that are bleeding, these represent an open wound and must be treated as such. The wound should clean be held by warm water and then be dried well. However, hot water should be avoided. Moisturizers should also not be used if there are cracks.

Instead, a antibacterial ointment which prevents bacteria from entering and the wound from becoming infected. Also vaseline can be used. The subsequent gluing of one Plaster prevents dirt from collecting in the wound.

In order to protect the skin of the fingers from further harmful influences, should be thin during the day Cotton gloves be worn. Before getting dressed, the hands should be rubbed in to provide the skin with sufficient moisture. In addition, it is good for the cracked fingers to apply a thick layer of lotion before going to bed and to go to sleep over them with cotton gloves. This keeps the moisture in the skin and gives it enough time to absorb it.

Since the air contains little moisture, especially in winter, a humidifier help to alleviate the symptoms if they occur mainly in the cold season.

If the symptoms are very severe and a doctor needs to be consulted, he will often prescribe one C.ortisone ointment. This combats the inflammation and allows the cracks to heal. This ointment should be used twice a day for five days, then only once a day for two to three additional days. Also on the presence of a Neurodermatitis attention should be paid and if necessary this must be treated. A Neurodermatitis is mostly through one severe itching marked and is first treated with special creams.

prophylaxis

People who too cracked fingers tend to take care when working with a lot of water contact rubber gloves to wear. This applies, for example, to washing up or cleaning. Chemical substances should also be avoided. This often applies to people who are exposed to these influences due to their work.

In addition, hands should not be washed with soap as often. If a soap is used to wash hands, care should be taken to ensure that it is gentle on the skin. For this we recommend pH-neutral productsthat have a pH range that is between 5 and 6.5.

It is important to keep your hands well after washing your hands to dry off And don't forget the spaces between your fingers.

Since the cold air and wind in winter put a lot of stress on the skin of the hands, care should be taken always Gloves to wear.

But the sun can also lead to dehydration of the skin, which is why it is advisable to bring your hands with you suncream to apply cream.

Complications

If Cracks are located in the skin, this provides easy access for bacteria in the body These can then penetrate the tissue and cause inflammation. Strict hygiene and disinfection should prevent this. Antibacterial ointments can help here.

Cracked skin is also more susceptible to other external influences. This means that an allergic reaction can occur more quickly if the skin is cracked.

Frequency distribution

Overall, about everyone suffers tenth German between 20 and 65 years of cracked skin on the hands. People whose hands frequently come into contact with liquids and who often wash their hands or use disinfectants are particularly affected. Women suffer on average more often on cracked fingers as men.