Diagnosis

To diagnose eczema on the finger as such is usually quite easy. The actual problem is rather to identify the trigger responsible for the appearance of the skin change. For this reason, the medical history (doctor-patient conversation) plays a decisive role in the diagnosis of finger eczema.

In this context, it is particularly important to clarify the cause: In addition, the physical examination can help to assess the extent of the skin disease. During the examination, the dermatologist pays particular attention to the typical signs of eczema. If an allergic reaction is already suspected, an allergy test can help determine the cause of the eczema on the finger.

Since when the disease exists
When the eczema began to develop (time of day, season)
Whether the complaints can be alleviated or made worse by certain measures
Whether there is a connection between the localization of the eczema and a possible trigger (for example a ring)
Whether allergies exist
What profession the patient is engaged in

Possible complication with eczema on the finger

Persons who notice a particularly pronounced or recurring eczema on their finger should definitely consult a specialist (dermatologist) as soon as possible. Only in this way can the immediate cause of the skin condition be determined, appropriate treatment initiated and possible complications prevented. Particularly in the case of eczema on the finger, there is a risk of developing a so-called bacterial or viral superinfection. In the patients affected, the healing of the eczema is enormously delayed. In addition, conspicuous scars often appear on the finger after a superinfection.

Treatment of finger eczema

The treatment of finger eczema depends on both the severity and the direct cause of the skin change. However, regardless of the triggering factor, the most important measure in the treatment of finger eczema is to identify and avoid the allergen or toxin. Only in this way can the skin changes heal adequately.

If the development of eczema on the finger is directly related to the profession the patient is engaged in (so-called occupational disease), a change of job and/or retraining should even be considered. If eczema develops on the finger, especially during or after housework, solvent-free products should be used. These are less harmful to the skin surface.

In addition, unpowdered, anti-allergenic protective gloves should ideally be worn. In order to avoid sweating under these protective gloves and thus additionally prevent the development of eczema on the finger, thin cotton gloves can be worn. The daily handling of disinfectants, fabric softeners or fragrances should also be greatly reduced by affected persons if possible.

In addition, eczema on the finger can be treated by applying ointments and compresses. For acute eczema on the finger, which also weeps, treatment with hydrophilic (watery) lotions and moist compresses is usually particularly suitable. Eczema on the finger that already has cornifications, crusts and/or scales should be treated with skin regenerating fatty ointments.

To ensure successful treatment of eczema, these ointments must be applied for at least 14 days after the acute symptoms have subsided. Regardless of which ointment or lotion is selected for the treatment of eczema on the finger, it is particularly important that the product is free of possible allergens. Ideally, affected persons should consult a pharmacy or their dermatologist for advice on this.

In particularly pronounced cases, treatment with a cortisone preparation can also be useful. Acute eczema of the fingers usually responds very well to this form of treatment. In this context, however, it must be noted that cortisone is only suitable as an acute medication and not for long-term therapy.

If a bacterial supra-infection occurs in the course of eczema on the finger, an antibiotic-containing ointment must also be used. In some cases it is sufficient to treat eczema on the finger locally with an ointment or cream. Above all, the relief of the complaints typical of eczema can be ensured by the regular application of an ointment.

When applying an ointment, lotion or cream, however, it is essential to ensure that only anti-allergic, skin-friendly products are applied. In addition, the choice of the most suitable ointment depends largely on the stage of the skin change on the finger. While a hydrophilic (watery) ointment should preferably be used for weeping, moist eczema, an oily ointment or cream is particularly suitable for treating dry and/or scaly eczema.

In very pronounced cases the additional application of a cortisone-containing ointment may be unavoidable. In this context, however, it should be noted that cortisone ointments are only suitable for the acute treatment of eczema.A permanent use of this substance is considered rather counterproductive. The local application of an ointment containing antibiotics or antifungals is always useful if a superinfection with bacteria or fungi has been detected.