What Could It Be My Left Thumb Right Around The Nail Has What Looks To Be Extremely Dry Skin?

Posted on Thu, 21 May 2020

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

Wed, 20 May 2020 Answered on

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : My left thumb right around the nail has what looks to be extremely dry skin, but no lotions I have tried work. The skin is cracked, scaly, tender at times, and at one area is raised up. What could it be?

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (-2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most possibly allergic reaction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.I understand your question.
The lesion you have around your finger nails -
- Can be just dry skin due to exposure to cold./disease like diabetes(not very much possible in your case unless you have family history/you are over weight)
-Fungal infection..where it is
associated with intense itching
-It can be allergic reaction to
toiletories you are hypersensitive to you(soaps,detergents,cosmetics or any chemical substances you are handling)
-It can be dry type of exema .
-It can be autoimmune disorder like psoriasis...
*Self care...Start applying moisturiser that suits you, multiple times a day.
-Mix a dot of skin steroid creame over the counter twice a day with the moisturiser.
-Change the bath soap to a plain glycerine soap & for cleaning soaps, start using gloves.
-Avoid using chemical reagents without gloves.
* If there is no responce within 15 days you need investigations(cbc, skin biopsy) along with a dermatologists advise for oral medication to be added to local therapy...so please consult a dermatologist.
I hope that helps you.Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
*I would suggest following tests to confirm the cause

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj