What Can Cause Redness On The Knuckles?

Posted on Tue, 27 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 Answered on

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My hands are exhibiting considerable dryness. I put moisturizer on, and that seemed to help, but my knuckles are slightly red. I live in New York and it is cold and dry, and I am frequently washing my hands. Is the redness a concern?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload images.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Frequently washing of the hands coupled with dry/cold weather is definitely going to cause dryness of the skin. The low humidity of dry/cold weather extracts moisture from the skin. This is exacerbated by repeated hand washing because as water evaporates it takes away the skin moisture with it every time you wash your hands.

Perhaps the redness on knuckles is due to some sort of Dermatitis due to extreme dryness and irritation to soaps. I request you to kindly upload a few images of the affected areas of your hand skin in "Reports Section" so that I am able to have a look and guide you better. Also, let me know if you have any associated symptoms? like itching? pain? etc.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S., Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Thank you for answering. No pain, no itching. My main concern was that it was related to my bronchiectasis, in that not enough oxygen was getting to my hands. But the pulse/ox meter put my mind at rest. My oxygen level is 97%. Also, in two days I am going to a warmer climate and i will see how my skin responds. (Not sure how to do the photograph.)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding your skin concerns.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I don't think the redness is due to hypoxia. Perhaps it is due to extreme dryness of skin. I suggest you use moisturizer frequently.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S., Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar