Symptoms of eczema on the finger | Eczema on the finger – What helps?

Symptoms of eczema on the finger

The severity of the typical symptoms of eczema on the finger depends on both their cause (aetiology) and their pathogenesis. As a rule, the symptoms are most pronounced in persons suffering from so-called contact eczema. Nevertheless, regardless of the exact form of the disease, each case of eczema of the finger is characterized by a characteristic sequence of symptoms in the various stages.

In the initial stage, eczema on the finger is manifested by conspicuous reddening of the skin surface. If suitable treatment is initiated at this stage, the skin change usually heals without any problems. If, on the other hand, the affected skin continues to be exposed to the causative factor, small blisters develop.

The blisters that appear on the finger in the course of eczema are typically filled with a clear liquid. As the disease progresses, the blisters begin to burst and dry out more and more. At this stage, the affected patients often feel an itching caused by the vesicles.Persons who observe persistent skin changes on their fingers that are associated with the development of blisters should urgently consult a specialist (dermatologist) as soon as possible.

At the beginning of the disease, light reddening of the skin, which is restricted to the fingers, can be observed in the affected patients (stage erythematosus). In less pronounced cases or after immediate avoidance of the trigger, the eczema on the finger can heal completely within a few days. If the skin reaction is pronounced, on the other hand, the disease progresses from reddening of the skin.

In affected patients, small to pin-sized blisters on the finger can be observed just a few days after the reddening of the skin (stage vesicolosum). These blisters are usually filled with clear fluid and can be accompanied by severe itching. In most cases, these liquid-filled blisters burst open within a very short time and begin to moisten and dry out (stage madidans).

Immediately after drying out, a solid crust forms on the affected finger (stage crustosum). In addition, a pronounced scaling of the skin may develop in the area of the eczema on the finger (stage squamosum). If the trigger of the eczema on the finger is now avoided, the skin below the crust begins to heal.

In people who are exposed to the triggering stimulus permanently or repeatedly, the eczema on the finger cannot heal adequately. As a result, the skin reaction can become chronic. A typical feature of chronic finger eczema is that the individual stages of the disease (reddening of the skin, blisters, crusts and scales) occur simultaneously and alternately next to each other.

In addition, small inflammatory nodules and scars form in particularly pronounced cases. In contrast to acute eczema, chronic eczema of the finger has a less sharply defined extension. Atopic eczema is the skin condition that develops in the context of atopic dermatitis – better known as neurodermatitis.

It occurs preferentially in places where skin lies on skin – e.g. joint bends, but can theoretically affect any part of the skin. Atopic eczema can also affect the hand and fingers. The skin then appears slightly reddened, may appear somewhat rough, is sensitive and often itches.

It is important to protect and care for the affected skin. If the affection is very pronounced and stressful, a doctor can prescribe creams containing cortisone, which lead to rapid healing. If one works with many substances that stress the skin, e.g. with cleaning agents or chemicals, care should be taken to ensure adequate protection of the affected skin.

Neurodermatitis is mostly a chronic disease that can recur again and again in different parts of the skin and therefore can affect the fingers again even after healing. Weeping eczema can also occur on the fingers. The causes are numerous and range from allergic reactions to certain environmental substances (e.g. nickel) to chronic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.

Weeping eczema can also indicate a bacterial inflammation of the skin. In case of weeping eczema, good skin care must be observed. The eczema should be given as much air as possible and not be permanently covered by a patch. Since it can also be an inflammation with pathogens, care should be taken that the wound secretion does not come into contact with other people. The correct therapy for weeping eczema on the finger should be determined by a doctor depending on the cause.