Introduction
Neurodermatitis, also called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, is a chronic skin disease that most frequently affects infants and toddlers. Depending on age, the eczematous foci are typically found in different localizations. In infants and adults, the fingers, among other areas, are often affected. In addition, neurodermatitis patients may also have changes in the fingernails.
Causes for neurodermatitis on the finger
The causes of neurodermatitis on the finger are a combination of various factors. It is known that there is a family predisposition for the disease. Children of parents who suffer from neurodermatitis or who suffered from it in childhood have an increased risk of also developing neurodermatitis.
In addition, there are (especially in childhood) various food allergies that can lead to neurodermitic symptoms. For example, allergies to milk, soya, wheat, nuts, eggs or fish. Allergies to house dust mites or animal hair can also trigger neurodermatitis.
In people with neurodermatitis there are also various factors that can trigger the onset of an acute episode. These include, for example, the consumption of certain foods such as strawberries or tomatoes, heavy sweating, skin contact with scratchy wool fabrics or very dry air. Which triggers lead to an acute episode is very different from one individual to another. This might also be of interest to you: Is neurodermatitis contagious?
Which accompanying symptoms occur with neurodermatitis on the finger?
The most typical accompanying symptom of neurodermatitis in the area of the fingers is an agonizing itching. The eczematous foci are often elevated, bright red and weeping in acute attacks. Scratching further intensifies the skin findings and can lead to bacterial infections, so-called superinfections.
In general, the skin is rough and dry. Not infrequently, children with neurodermatitis also suffer from hay fever. In the pollen season, this leads to increased runny nose (rhinitis) and reddened, itchy, watery eyes.
Asthma also occurs more frequently in children with neurodermatitis. This leads to attacks with shortness of breath and recurrent coughing. Itching is one of the most agonizing symptoms of neurodermatitis.
In an acute attack, there are weeping, blistered rashes between the fingers that are very itchy. Scratching brings short-term relief, but ultimately only worsens the skin condition further. Since the disease mainly affects children, the itching is often difficult to control.
It is therefore essential to always pay attention to short cut nails to minimize the consequences of scratching. An acute episode of neurodermatitis leads to a blistering rash. While the skin tends to be dry in the interval, i.e. in the phase between 2 attacks, the acute attack often shows a highly weeping, red rash due to the blistering.
Nail changes are not a typical sign of neurodermatitis. However, they can occur from time to time. Among other things, so-called shiny nails are described.
These are fingernails that look polished due to the frequent scratching caused by the itching typical of atopic dermatitis. As a chronic sign of neurodermatitis, some affected persons also show transverse grooves on individual nails. The fingertips are not a typical location of a typical neurodermatitis.
More often, the finger gaps and the back of the hand as well as the wrists are affected. However, there is a special form of neurodermatitis in which the fingertips are particularly and almost exclusively affected. This is the pulpitis sicca.
It causes painful tears in the area of the fingertips and toes. Particularly affected are more highly stressed areas such as the thumb, index and middle finger. Especially in winter, the symptoms often worsen. Drying processes such as prolonged contact with water or frequent contact with soap can be the trigger.
