person with hands flat down on surface

How to Heal Eczema on Fingertips

Eczema is a skin condition that affects between 10-20% of the world population. It’s characterized by rough, dry patches of skin that are accompanied by itchiness. While the itchy skin condition can appear anywhere on the body, including creases of elbows and bends of knees, fingertip eczema can also be a cause of irritation. Suffering from eczema on fingers can make it difficult to get through daily tasks.

To discover how to heal eczema on fingertips, read on. In this post, we cover the best skin-safe solutions for managing symptoms of eczema fingers.

Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

Symptoms of Eczema on Fingertips

While symptoms of fingertip eczema can vary from person to person, here are some common signs you might expect:

  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Pain or burning sensation
  • Dryness
  • Peeling and flaking skin
  • Swelling
  • Cracks that may bleed
  • Blisters that may pus or ooze

Is it Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema that causes small, itchy blisters to appear on the hands and feet, or edges of fingers and toes. Blisters may crack or ooze, making the skin more vulnerable to infection if proper care is not taken. Once the blisters heal, the skin can dry and start to peel. While anyone can develop dyshidrotic eczema, it more commonly appears in women than in men. In addition, it typically affects young adults between the ages of 20 and 40.

What Causes Fingertip Eczema?

Eczema on fingertips is caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. It is usually triggered by household items that you likely use on a daily basis. This can include cleaning supplies, jewelry, beauty products, and laundry detergents. Because people who work in jobs such as hairdressing, healthcare, mechanics, cleaning, and catering are more likely to come into contact with chemicals and irritants, they are more prone to developing fingertip eczema. It’s important to note that while fingertip eczema isn’t contagious, it can affect a person’s self-esteem and job performance.

Protective Gloves for Eczema Fingers

Here are some gentle clothing solutions for protecting your hands and soothing irritating symptoms:

Remedywear™ (TENCEL + Zinc) Gloves - available for adults and kids, these gentle gloves are made with eco-friendly TENCEL and embedded with anti-inflammatory zinc oxide. Together, this unique combination of fibers helps reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis, reduce itchiness and improve quality of sleep when worn overnight for three consecutive nights. The breathable and moisture-wicking fabric makes them perfect for wearing overnight to improve symptoms.

Gentle Soaps and Creams

Tallow Skincare Bundle - For soothing irritated eczema on fingertips, try this natural and pure skin care kit. It contains the best of tallow and pine tar skincare, making it the perfect choice for those following the Paleo or GAPS diet. Enjoy healing soaps and a nourishing tallow balm your itchy skin will adore.

Body Essentials Bundle - This natural skin care kit contains our best-selling Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream and our Coconut and Sunflower Oil Soap bar. Safe and gentle, these wholesome products leave the skin feeling cleansed, soft, and moisturized. Perfect for combatting itchy eczema on fingertips.

Caring for your Hands at Home

  • Wash your hands with lukewarm water as opposed to hot, as hot water can further dry out the skin
  • If you wear rings, clean them often and take them off when doing housework to avoid trapping irritants underneath
  • When possible, use a dishwasher instead of washing your dishes by hand

For more information about hand eczema, check out How to Treat Eczema on Hands.

References 

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-hands-feet

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/hand-eczema/

https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/dyshidrotic-eczema/

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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.