Definition
The term “eczema” is a collective term for a large number of inflammatory changes in the skin that manifest themselves in a non-infectious inflammatory reaction in those affected.
Introduction
Eczema on the finger can be caused by various factors. Clinically, finger eczema is characterized by a typical sequence of skin reactions. At the beginning of the disease reddening of the skin on the finger can be observed in the affected persons.
This is followed by the formation of tiny blisters, which may begin to weep. In the case of eczema on the finger, the formation of crusts and skin flakes can also be observed. Eczema in general and the inflammatory rash on the finger in particular, are among the most common skin diseases.
Of all skin diseases, inflammatory changes account for about three to twenty percent. In addition, the probability of suffering from more or less pronounced eczema at least once in a lifetime is almost 100 percent. Depending on the exact localization and mechanism of the skin change, a possible occupational connection must be excluded.
Especially recurring eczema on the finger is often a so-called occupational disease. In general, various forms of eczema on the finger must be distinguished. The most common forms of this skin disease include the following: General information on the topic can be found here: Eczema – causes, treatment & more
- Asteatotic eczema
- Atopic eczema
- Disseminated eczema
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Contact eczema (allergic and irritant contact eczema)
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic eczema
Causes for the development of eczema on the finger
Eczema on the finger occurs in the area of the uppermost layer of skin (epidermis). Since the skin surface is both the protective cover of the body and the seat of important immune cells for the body’s own defense, the immune system may react excessively when defending itself against foreign bodies. As a result, the affected person develops more or less pronounced eczema.
Direct contact with allergens and/or toxic substances is one of the most common causes of eczema on the finger. In the case of allergic eczema on the finger, for example, a late immune reaction (so-called type IV reaction) plays a decisive role. The direct cause of allergic eczema is white blood cells (T-lymphocytes).
Immediately after contact, the causative allergen is absorbed by the skin surface as the smallest fragment and can then bind to carrier proteins of the immune system. Afterwards, the allergen fragment can be eaten by special scavenger cells of the skin and presented to the white blood cells. Since not just a single, but many of these small allergen fragments are absorbed via the skin surface, a pronounced immune reaction begins immediately.
In the course of this immune reaction, inflammatory processes (eczema) develop in the skin sections with direct allergen contact. In the case of the so-called stasis dermatitis, the disease is based on a chronic insufficiency of the venous vessels. This form of eczema, however, occurs primarily on the lower legs. Eczema of the finger is mostly an atopic or allergic-toxic contact eczema.
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