Cracks between the fingers

We use our hands constantly without even noticing it, and do not always pay enough attention to care for them - we put on protective gloves when using household chemicals, we forget to put on gloves or gloves in cold weather. And the skin of the hands, though it has a large margin of safety, but sometimes does not withstand a disparaging attitude. There are cracks between the fingers - near the nails, on the pads of the fingers and between them, causing serious discomfort. Heal such defects for a long time, constantly cracking, because not to use your hands even two or three days, giving the skin a full recovery, is almost impossible.

In addition, the cracks between the fingers can be not only the result of negligent treatment of this part of the body, but a symptom of trouble - avitaminosis, demineralization, congenital and acquired metabolic disorders, infection, serious chronic systemic pathologies. Long-lasting non-healing cracks, which can not be handled with the help of cosmetic tricks and observance of the rules for working with corrosive chemicals, require access to specialists and a thorough examination.

[1], [2]

Causes of the cracks between fingers

The skin of our hands is constantly exposed to various, not the most favorable factors and substances, which causes its dryness. This is the main cause of cracking. Some people have dry and thin skin from birth, others - with their actions achieve this effect.

Most often, the skin between the fingers can be cracked by non-observance of the safety of working with household detergents. Sometimes enough even a one-time neglect of it, it all depends on the aggressiveness of the agent and the sensitivity of our skin. For some, cracks between the fingers can occur after hand washing, even with soap, and after using the means with chlorine or acid - and there is no need to talk. It is enough, having been too lazy to tighten gloves, to take with two fingers the thing soaked in a bleach and to throw it into a basin with clean water, and these two fingers can suffer.

The cause of cracks in the hands can be the regular use of antibacterial soap, dishwashing detergent, shower gels. Even the simple need to often wash or wash anything (for example, caring for a lying patient or a baby), that is, just often wetting your hands in water without wearing gloves can lead to the appearance of cracks.

Skin overdry when exposed for long periods in dry air. The habit of walking in frost without gloves also has a disastrous effect on the skin of the hands. Sharp heating of frozen hands on the battery or under a stream of hot water leads to a violation of the surface blood circulation and the appearance of microcracks.

Ladies caring for their own hands, may have cracks between the fingers after manicure, if the master has shown negligence or the tools were not sterile. In this case, injuries are possible, as well as infection with fungal and bacterial infections.

Just insufficient hand care, especially in the cold season causes defects on the skin of the hands.

Mechanical injuries, injuries and cracks can occur when hand-operated with coarse solid objects.

Household risk factors often combine with each other - frequent work with water or in aggressive environments, walking in the cold without gloves, for example, combined with regular use of antibacterial soap. The skin of the hands can not withstand such treatment. However, if you immediately pay attention to it, put on gloves and look after your hands with the help of cosmetic procedures, the skin will quickly return to normal.

It is much more difficult if any systemic pathology is combined with domestic nihilism.

Cracks between the fingers can indicate the development of contact dermatitis, the presence of atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions, lack of vitamins and minerals in the body due to inefficient nutrition, fasting, diets, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders.

Such symptoms are manifested by eczema, palmar-plantar psoriasis, infection with fungus, most often - yeast or dermatophytes.

Endocrine diseases - diabetes mellitus, disorders of the thyroid gland (from minor to atrophy or removal); syndromes of Reuters, Sjogren, ichthyosis, disorders of the nervous system, even the presence of worms can, along with other symptoms, appear and the appearance of cracks between the fingers.

You should also take into account such risk factors that increase susceptibility to skin irritation, such as prolonged drug therapy, decreased immunity, low activity of the sebaceous glands in children, dryness and thinning of the epidermis in old age.

[3]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of the appearance of cracks is very diverse and involves more than a few triggering factors. Professional risks can be combined with individual sensitivity, inadequate care with chronic diseases or age and hereditary features of the skin - for example, dry and thin by nature skin requires a more careful attitude to itself.

Cracks the skin usually along the lines of collagen fibers, called the Langer lines. Cracks are more often localized in the perihotic zone, on the finger pads and between them, in places of folds. Sometimes the nails begin to crack or flake. Non-healing long cracks are the gateway to infection, and the process acquires a protracted and difficult to diagnose character.

[4], [5]

Epidemiology

Statistics reflecting complaints about the appearance of cracks on the fingers, absent, dry skin on the hands is not a disease. This is its feature, which also accompanies many health disorders, and overdrying and cracks - almost always result from lack of care or negligence.

The problem of cracks in the hands is very common. With their appearance, almost everything can be encountered in any period of life. As practice shows, to get rid of cracks, basically, they try on their own and for help to doctors are treated in neglected cases. Let's try to figure out how to help.

[6], [7], [8], [9]

Symptoms

The first signs indicating the need to focus on the condition of the hands are the dryness of their skin, brittle and layered nails, the clearly visible lines of the Langer of white color. If you notice one of these signs, then the nutrition and moisturizing of the skin of the hands should be given more attention than usual, because afterwards painful cracks may appear.

Can not only crack the skin, but also the nail, and it is difficult to predict exactly what to damage earlier. Perhaps this depends on the structure and direction of the damaging factors.

A crack on the finger nail can be the result of a mechanical nail damage. Such damage is hard not to notice and forget about it. Therefore, we dwell on other reasons. Nails can suffer from the effects of aggressive chemical media (including nail polish). Defects in the form of cracks on the nails of the hands can appear as a result of metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency and decreased immunity due to acute and chronic systemic diseases, nutritional errors. Usually, then the damage affects all the nails, although the process can begin with a few more loaded ones. But if you carefully look at other nails, it will be noticeable that the nails look bad - they fade, crumble, stripes and dashes appear on them, the color has changed.

A longitudinal crack on the thumbnail can be caused primarily by any traumatic stresses or contact of this particular finger with an aggressive substance (provided that all other nails are pink and shiny). The nail of one finger or several (any) can be infected with a fungus. Psoriasis of the nails leads to damage to all nail plates on the arms and legs, but the first signs can attract attention to any one nail that can be loaded more than others and therefore earlier cracked.

Localization of damage to the nail plate - a crack on the thumb, forefingers, on the middle finger is not a symptom of a particular disease. It is these most "working" fingers that are subjected to maximum load, and therefore symptoms of trouble are manifested first of all in them.

Deep cracks between the fingers of the hands near the nails can appear in those who do not like to wear protective latex gloves if necessary for a long time "rinse" in the water, and sometimes even working with chemicals. Skin, incidentally, these people are good, strong and for some time withstands the load. There are enough excuses too-inconvenient, hands sweat, sensitivity and tenacity are not the same. In the end - the skin does not stand up, and painful cracks appear.

If such habits are not present, the cracks on the skin of the fingers of the hands near the nails may be one of the symptoms of endocrine diseases, metabolic disorders or infection with the fungus.

From hand washing without gloves, using cleaning agents, antibacterial soap, there may be a crack between the fingers on the hand, on the palms. In the interdigital space, the fungus is often localized, the psoriatic rash is located on the back of the hand in the area of the bones and between the fingers.

Fungus (mycosis) of the skin of the hands can be caused by different pathogens. The most common is candidiasis. Localized in the interdigital spaces, often the first signs appear in the hollow between the middle and ring fingers - the skin begins to itch, there is an erythema resembling an intertrigo on which cracks appear, limited by a white coating. The skin in this place coarsens and thickens, dries up and deeper cracks. In the risk group are women, who give a lot of time to manual labor, connected with a damp environment and household chemicals.

Fungi dermatophytes can also colonize the skin between the fingers, often on one hand. The rashes are of a varied nature. These can be papules or vesicles, eczematous spots - round, flaking, cracked. The skin itches. In addition to the hands, such symptoms can be on the skin of the perineum and foot.

Cracks and peeling, dry skin between the fingers can be a symptom of eczema and contact dermatitis. Externally, the manifestations are similar, specialist consultation and laboratory research are needed.

Cracks on the small pads of the fingers most often signal about aviovitaminosis, which can develop with prolonged diets, the conscious exclusion of certain foods, an unbalanced diet. Deficiency of vitamins and minerals often develops in chronic diseases, for example, the gastrointestinal tract, when the necessary substances come with food, but not digested. Fingers become rough and dry, the skin from them peels off layers and cracks, but does not itch and does not blush.

Itching, soreness and bleeding of such cracks on the finger pads can be observed with eczema and fungal lesions, hormonal disorders, other system pathologies and requires a diagnostic examination.

Fractures on the fold of the finger occur most often, since in this place both outside and inside, the skin is most often subjected to deformation - stretching and squeezing. Such defects most often speak of the adverse effects of external factors - moisture, wind, frost, dry air.

Cracks between the fingers and toes - this is an occasion to think about the systemic impact, because external factors usually act locally. This arrangement may be a symptom of palmar-plantar psoriasis. Psoriatic plaques arise from single itchy red papules that tend to merge, rise above healthy areas of the skin, have a clear border and are covered with scales, when scraping, a drop of blood appears. A lot of small cracks appear inside the plaque, on dry scaly and thickened skin.

Hyperkeratosis of the palms and feet, accompanied by the appearance of cracks in the dry skin, is a symptomatic complex of Reiter's syndrome (inflammation of the urethra, joints and prostate gland). Mostly the representatives of the stronger sex are ill.

Itching and cracks between the fingers are characteristic of allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, fungal infections. You can scratch and crack your fingers with psoriasis and eczema.

Vesicles and fissures between the fingers can be symptoms of many infections. For example, infection with the herpes virus - the vesicles strongly itch and appear on the upper phalanx near the nails, allergic vesicle rashes can be at any place of contact with the irritant, the localization of highly itchy bubbles between the fingers is also characteristic for infection with scabies. From scratching in all these cases it is almost impossible to hold, so the cracks already occur as a result of mechanical damage to the skin in these places.

Subcutaneous vesicles on the fingers and cracks can occur with diseases of the digestive organs, nervous and immune system, sweating disorders and are called dihydratic eczema.

Cracks between the fingers of the hands of men arise for the same reasons as in women. Men's skin on the fingers coarser than the female, but also caring for the hands of the stronger sex often do not pay due attention, and heavy physical work is often done, often in the open air. Therefore, the problem of cracks on the fingers is also encountered. In addition to inadequate care, men can become infected with fungus, suffer from eczema, psoriasis and diseases of internal organs. Chlamydia and foodborne infections can lead to Reiter syndrome, which develops predominantly in men. Therefore, if increased care of the skin of the hands does not give a result, it is necessary to seek medical help.

Cracks between the fingers of the child's hands can appear as a result of external factors, since the natural moistening of the baby's skin is still imperfect, and children like to play with water - to launch boats in puddles, to build dams after the rain, to sculpt snowballs and snowmen in wet mittens or without them at all .

In addition, as a result of childhood infections - measles, rubella, chickenpox, Coxsackie virus, skin on hands can also suffer from dryness and cracking.

Atopic dermatitis is often manifested by reddening of the upper limbs. The skin itches, and the child combs it, which leads to cracks and exudation. With a prolonged course of dry hyperkeratosis, cracks deepen and deliver a lot of discomfort.

Contact allergic reactions to baby skin also appear often - with plants that irritate substances.

Ichthyosis manifests itself in infancy with increased dryness of the skin, Sjogren's syndrome is rare in adults, but children may also suffer from a primary form of this disease.

In children, the appearance of cracks on the fingers can be involved parasitic infestations, in simple terms - worms.

The causes described above - diabetes, fungal infections, psoriasis and eczema, diseases of the digestive organs, beriberi and protein deficiency can lead to skin elasticity disorders and the appearance of cracks in the fingers in childhood.

Therefore, long-term non-healing painful cracks on the fingers of the child must necessarily be the object of study.

[10]

Diagnostics of the cracks between fingers

The doctor will listen to the patient's complaints, examine his fingers, find out what events preceded the appearance of cracks, whether the patient has chronic diseases, and then appoints laboratory tests. Probably, it will be necessary to make a blood and blood analysis for glucose; general urine analysis.

One visual inspection of cracks, as a rule, is not enough. Scrapings are made from the damaged skin surface, areas with cracks and microscopic examination is carried out.

You may need dermatoscopy, immunological tests of blood to identify allergens. Informative can be the inspection of cracks in the light of a special lamp.

You may need to consult the related specialists - endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, allergist, surgeon and additional tests for their profile.

Instrumental diagnosis is also prescribed as necessary and can include a variety of studies depending on the causes of the appearance of cracks - angiography of vessels and ultrasound examination of vessels, abdominal organs, thyroid gland. According to the results of the performed examinations, differential diagnosis is performed and the final diagnosis is established.

[11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16]

Differential diagnosis

Psoriasis, eczema, allergic reactions, increased sensitivity of the skin as a result of beriberi must be differentiated from fungal infections. Chronic systemic diseases, manifested by cracks in the fingers, must also be recognized, since they must be treated by a specialized specialist.

[17], [18], [19], [20], [21]

Treatment of the cracks between fingers

Undoubtedly, if a disease is found that led to the formation of cracks in the fingers, it is necessary to conduct a course of treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Complications and consequences

Cracks in the skin are the entrance gates for any secondary infection - fungi, staphylococci, streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other pathogens. There is a possibility of suppuration, panaritium, which can be complicated by reactive lymphadenitis - inflammation of the ulnar and axillary lymph nodes, and even sepsis. In case of complicated fissures, surgical treatment may be required - opening of the panaritium, incisions and drainage of the lymph nodes.

In themselves, the cracks are very painful and significantly reduce the capacity for work. It hurts to perform any manual work, the cracks increase and may begin to bleed.

Sometimes, after having tried different ways of treating wounds and not having received a result, people are interested in: How much does a crack on a finger die?

A single answer does not exist. Uninfected cracks caused by external causes, which began to heal immediately after their appearance, can take place in just two or three days. More neglected - require a period of time from a week to a month. This is provided that external causes are eliminated - the person wears gloves, nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the hands, uses healing remedies and generally reduces the burden on the fingers.

Non-healing cracks between the fingers say that the reasons for their appearance are deep enough and you need to see a doctor. It is not necessary to wait long if cosmetic procedures do not make appreciable progress - cracks do not decrease in the sizes and quantity, it is necessary to address for the help to the dermatologist.

[22], [23], [24], [25]

Prevention

It is much easier and more reasonable to avoid the appearance of cracks between the fingers, especially those that are not caused by chronic dermatoses. Although a healthy lifestyle, including adequate nutrition, lack of bad habits, moderate activity and rest, strengthens the immune system and reduces the likelihood of any disease.

Minimizing the harmful influence of external factors and the necessary care for the skin of the hands can significantly reduce the risk of cracks on the fingers, even in people with dry skin from the nature and the diseases that lead to it.

For daily hand washing, hypoallergenic preparations with neutral acidity and emollient components should be used. After washing, it is necessary to dry the skin of hands with a soft towel, without forgetting to get wet skin between the fingers. More often use a hand cream, and not once a night, especially people prone to dry skin.

In winter, the skin of the hands must be nourished using fatty nourishing creams, in the summer - moisturize and protect from sunlight with photo-protective creams. Do not forget to sometimes pamper your worn out handles with masks and baths. Care should be regular, and not on a case by case basis.

In the cold season it is necessary to protect the skin on your hands with gloves or mittens. Avoid sudden temperature changes on the skin surface.

Work with water, detergents (even for dishes) in household rubber gloves. Wear gloves when working in the garden, doing repairs, doing other housework, where there is a risk of injury to fingers.

Separately about antibacterial agents. They have different purposeful purpose - washing hands, body, dishes. Sometimes their use is justified, but by no means permanent. Aggressive antibacterial detergents not only promote the drying of the skin of hands, but also destroy the entire microflora as harmful, so useful.

When the first cracks appear, it is necessary immediately to start their elimination, and not to start the process, then the treatment will not be prolonged.

[26], [27], [28], [29]

Forecast

The appearance of cracks between the fingers can be avoided by taking care of this part of the body. A timely action, if the hands are still cracked, will help to eliminate this problem once and for all. Even if it is associated with internal diseases, adequate skin care combined with therapy of the disease will be rewarded with a positive result.