Why Do I Have Rashes On My Thumb And Index Finger For Over A Month?

Posted on Sun, 29 Jul 2018

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

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 Answered on

Fri, 2 Dec 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I have rashes on my thumb and index finger from more than a month. It has become dry and scaly but is not healing completely. It started as small rashes but eventually became larger in size. The middle portion in the rash has healed but a circular area remains dry and slightly painful when the skin peels off. I am breastfeeding my 4 month old baby so please suggest what I can do for this. I am attaching images so you can have a better idea about the issue.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Contact Dermatitis

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You seem to have Contact Dermatitis on fingers. Soaps, detergents, household work and repeated hand washing can lead to this. I suggest you to use an intensive moisturizer, 2-3 times a day and every time you wash your hands.

In addition to the moisturizer I suggest you to use a potent topical steroid ointment e.g. either clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Tenovate ointment) or halobetasol propionate 0.05% (Halovate ointment) twice daily, just over the patches. You can apply the medication after you have applied the moisturizer. The steroid ointments are prescription products and I advice you to kindly talk to your general practitioner for a prescription of the same.

Regards

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