Itchy fingers: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Some people have persistently itchy fingers, either alone or with other symptoms. Nerve problems, scabies, and skin conditions — such as psoriasis — are possible causes. Treatment will depend on the cause, but soaking fingers in cool water may bring some relief.

A person might feel the itchiness on the surface of their fingers, under the skin, or only on some fingers. While most of the time itchy fingers are nothing to worry about, in some cases it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs a doctor’s attention.

In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment of itchy fingers. We also give tips on how to get rid of the itching.

There are many different reasons why a person’s fingers might itch. In the list below, we discuss the common causes and their associated symptoms.

Contact dermatitis

Share on PinterestItchy fingers can be caused by various skin conditions, including contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis, also known as contact eczema, occurs when a person touches something that irritates their skin.

A person with contact dermatitis may also notice:

• itching across the fingers and hands
• pain or swelling
• patches of dry skin
• small, red bumps on the skin
• redness and inflammation

Because the hands and fingers come into contact with many different things over the course of the day, it may take some time to determine what is causing the allergic reaction.

People who have regular flare-ups should keep a diary of common allergens they come into contact with and their symptoms to look for a pattern.

Common triggers for contact dermatitis include:

• fragrances
• metal jewelry, belts, or watches
• cobalt found in hair dyes or deodorants
• some hand creams
• household disinfectants

Treatment

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid the allergen.

When a person comes into contact with an allergen, they can relieve their painful, itching symptoms by using the following:

• antihistamine creams or oral over-the-counter medications
• corticosteroid creams
• phototherapy, involving exposing the skin to ultraviolet light

A person can get antihistamine creams online, and stronger versions can be obtained on prescription from a doctor. Corticosteroid creams can also be bought online or obtained on prescription.

Dyshidrotic eczema

A person with dyshidrotic eczema, also called foot-and-hand eczema or pompholyx, will notice tiny, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on their hands, fingers and often toes and feet. This condition is thought to be associated with stress, skin irritants, and seasonal allergies.

A person with dyshidrotic eczema may notice:

• small, fluid-filled blisters on the fingers
• severe itchiness
• painful skin
• redness and inflammation
• flaky, scaly, or cracked skin

People who are susceptible to allergies are more likely to be affected, and women are twice as likely to have dyshidrotic eczema than men.

Treatment

To treat dyshidrotic eczema, a person can try:

• putting a cold compress on the affected area to reduce itchiness and swelling
• moisturizing regularly to prevent the skin from drying out
• using mild soaps and detergents

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to quickly build up, resulting in patches of flaky, itchy, scaly skin. Psoriasis can affect different areas of a person’s body, primarily the joints, but also areas such as fingers and nails.

Along with itching skin, a person with psoriasis may also notice:

• redness and inflammation
• areas of slivery-white scaly skin
• very dry, cracked, and sometimes bleeding skin
• pain around the inflamed patches of skin

Treatment

Psoriasis can be stubborn, and it is often a case of trial and error to find an effective treatment.

Possible treatments include:

• oral medications, usually prescribed by a doctor
• corticosteroid creams
• creams containing vitamin D analogs
• salicylic acid creams
• phototherapy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition related to diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels cause nerve damage. This can affect both the hands and feet.

A person with diabetic peripheral neuropathy may notice:

• their fingers becoming sensitive to touch
• a loss of feeling or numbness in their fingers
• pain or weakness in their fingers

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy cannot be cured, though there are treatments to help relieve symptoms and to slow its progress.

Treatment

To treat peripheral neuropathy, a person can try:

• lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and stopping smoking
• getting their blood pressure under control
• stabilizing their blood sugar levels
• medications, for example, anticonvulsants and antidepressants
• creams containing capsaicin

Scabies

Scabies occurs when tiny mites burrow into a person’s skin and lay their eggs, causing small, itchy bumps. The symptoms can appear up to 8 weeks after a person comes into contact with the scabies mite.

The mites usually burrow in areas where the skin folds, including between the fingers and toes, inner elbows and knees, and genitals.

Scabies is common and extremely contagious. It is one of the most common skin conditions in the developing world.

A person with scabies may notice:

• small blisters or pus-filled bumps appearing on the surface of the skin
• tiny burrow-marks or tracks left by the mites in the skin
• skin becoming thick and scaly
• itching that becomes worse after showering or bathing
• itching that worsens at nighttime

Scabies tends to spread through skin-to-skin contact, though sharing clothing, towels or bedding can also pass it on.

Treatment

To treat scabies a person must see their doctor to get scabicide treatments that kill the mites and their eggs. Scabies can be notoriously difficult to get rid of and may need several rounds of treatment.

Share on PinterestWashing hands regularly with mild soap may help to treat or prevent itchy fingers.

A person may be able to manage the symptoms of itchy fingers at home, though if the underlying cause is not known, they should consult their doctor. Diagnosing the cause is key to finding the correct treatment.

Sometimes medication is not necessary and, by making a few adjustments, a person may see a significant improvement in their symptoms.

The following steps may help, in many cases, to treat or prevent itchy fingers from occurring:

• washing the hands regularly and thoroughly with a mild soap
• making sure that hands are completely dry after washing
• soaking fingers in cool water to relieve itching
• avoiding harsh skin care products that may cause irritation
• wearing gloves when in contact with harsh chemicals, including cleaning products
• wearing gloves during cold, dry weather
• moisturizing often with hypoallergenic skin cream or lotion

Some people find that calamine lotion can be soothing for itchy skin lesions.

In more severe cases, topical medications, such as corticosteroid, antifungal, and antimicrobial creams, may be needed.

If home remedies and topical treatments are not working, a person may need to visit a doctor who can prescribe oral medication, such as antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, immune suppressants, or modulators to help get rid of the condition.

While itchy fingers can be frustrating, if there are no additional symptoms, it may be that keeping them well moisturized can help to reduce or eliminate the itchiness.

If the itchiness does not go away or keeps coming back, a person should visit their doctor to rule out any underlying problems.

Pompholyx – NHS

Pompholyx (also called dyshidrotic eczema) is a type of eczema that affects the hands or feet. It’s usually a long-term condition, but treatment can help control the symptoms.

Check if you have pompholyx

Pompholyx causes itchy blisters on the hands or feet that come and go. The symptoms usually last 2 to 3 weeks at a time.

The first symptom is often a burning or prickling feeling in the affected area.

Fluid-filled blisters then appear on the skin. These are usually very itchy and may leak fluid.

Credit:

Vilaiphab Khanyavong
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/dyshidrotic-eczema-allergic-skin-condition-symptom-2041694828

When the blisters go away, the skin may be dry, cracked and sore. Sometimes it might bleed.

Pompholyx most often affects the fingers and palms.

Credit:

DR. P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/600559/view

It can also affect the toes and soles of the feet.

Credit:

ISM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1159184/view

If you’re not sure it’s pompholyx

Other conditions can cause sore, itchy patches or blisters on the hands and feet, including hand, foot and mouth disease, psoriasis or athlete’s foot.

Do not try to diagnose yourself – see a GP if you’re worried.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• you think you have pompholyx
• you have pompholyx and the blisters are very painful, leak yellow or green pus or are covered in a yellow-brown crust – these are signs of an infection
• you have any other changes to your skin you’re worried about

Treatments for pompholyx

Pompholyx is usually a long-term condition that comes and goes over time. Treatment can help control the symptoms.

The main treatments for pompholyx are:

• moisturisers (emollients) – used every day to stop the skin becoming dry
• steroid creams and ointments (topical steroids) – used for a few weeks at a time to reduce irritation and soreness

If the blisters leak fluid, a GP may suggest soaking your skin in potassium permanganate solution. This helps dry the blisters and reduces the risk of them getting infected.

If the blisters become infected, a GP may prescribe antibiotics.

Treatments from a specialist

If your symptoms are severe or treatment is not helping, a GP may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

A dermatologist may recommend other treatments, such as:

• steroid tablets
• treatment with ultraviolet (UV) light
• other medicines, such as alitretinoin

Things you can do to ease symptoms of pompholyx

If you have pompholyx, your skin may get irritated easily. There are some things you can try to see if they help.

Do

• wash your hands with warm (not hot or cold) water and use a moisturiser (emollient) soap substitute instead of regular soap

• wear protective gloves (ideally with a cotton lining) when using chemicals like shampoos, cleansers and detergents

• wear socks, tights or stockings made from cotton or silk, rather than nylon

• wear shoes made from leather, rather than plastic or rubber

• avoid anything you think causes your symptoms, such as cleansers or detergents

A pharmacist can help with pompholyx

If your skin gets very itchy and it affects your sleep, ask a pharmacist about antihistamines that make you drowsy (sedating antihistamines).

If you take these before going to bed, they can help you get to sleep.

What causes pompholyx

It’s not clear exactly what causes pompholyx.

Certain things are thought to cause symptoms in some people, including:

• contact with strong chemicals like soaps, cleansers and detergents
• an allergy or sensitivity to certain metals, such as nickel or cobalt
• getting your hands wet regularly – for example, if you’re a hairdresser
• stress
• heat and sweat

Information:

If you notice something causes your symptoms, avoiding it as much as possible may help keep your symptoms under control.

Page last reviewed: 02 March 2022
Next review due: 02 March 2025

causes, treatment, prevention — Allergika Ukraine

Possible causes of itchy skin:

There are many different causes that can cause skin itching. We will review the most common ones below.

Contact dermatitis

With contact dermatitis, a person often experiences itching of the palms. Contact dermatitis can be caused by any chemicals, plastics, or metals that a person touches or has direct contact with. Contact dermatitis is often observed in beauty salon workers, medical staff, as a reaction to the frequent use of latex gloves.

Contact dermatitis is accompanied not only by itching, but also by other symptoms, such as:

• Eruptions: small to large red spots with peeling
• Cracks and wounds
• Irritation and redness

Diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis requires skin tests – patch tests, which will help determine what the person is reacting to. The feasibility of conducting patch tests is considered at the appointment with an allergist or dermatologist.

Common triggers for contact dermatitis include:

• fragrances and fragrances
• metal jewelry, belts or watches
• cobalt found in hair dyes or deodorants
• some hand creams
• household disinfectants and detergents
• cosmetics, including decorative cosmetics

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid the irritant.

Sometimes it can be very difficult, so there are several remedies that can help relieve itching from contact dermatitis.

Dyshidrotic eczema or dyshidrosis

A person with dyshidrotic eczema may notice tiny, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the palms and fingers, and often also on the toes and feet. The condition is thought to be related to stress, substances that can irritate the skin, and seasonal allergies.

A person with dyshidrotic eczema may notice:

• small, fluid-filled blisters on fingers
• severe itching
• skin soreness
• redness and inflammation
• peeling and cracking of the palms

People who are sensitive to allergies are more likely to develop dyshidrotic eczema. In women, dyshidrotic eczema occurs twice as often as in men.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by increased production of keratinocytes, which results in pink patches with scaly whitish plaques. Psoriasis most commonly affects the skin over the joints, the scalp, and the skin on the hands and nails.

• In addition to itchy skin, a person with psoriasis may also notice:
• Skin irritation and redness
• White plaques, scaling and inflamed
• Dry skin and cracks
• Soreness in the area of ​​rash

Scabies

Itching of the skin of the hands and fingers is one of the important symptoms of scabies, a skin disease caused by the scabies mite. Infection with scabies through contact with a sick person is the most common route of infection. But this can also happen when using dishes, towels and any objects that the patient has touched. Roughly speaking, you can get scabies even after a trip on public transport, if you grab the handrails immediately after an infected person.

Ticks usually hide in skin folds, including between fingers and toes.

Scabies is common and highly contagious. It is one of the most common skin diseases in developing countries.

When to see a doctor

Sometimes a person can cope with itchy hands at home, just by changing their lifestyle a little. If home remedies and topical treatments don’t work, you may need to see a doctor to rule out more serious skin conditions and prescribe other medications.

causes and how to get rid of it? ✓ Author’s articles of the Clinic of Podology Poljot in Moscow

Itching between the toes may indicate the development of various diseases: fungus, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergies to materials that make up shoes or socks. When this symptom appears, you should not resort to self-medication and traditional medicine, but it is better to immediately contact an experienced dermatologist until the disease has passed a chronic or acute form.

Diagnosis and treatment

During the appointment, the dermatologist conducts a visual examination of the skin of the legs, finds out the time when the discomfort began, and collects data on the patient’s lifestyle. To exclude other pathologies and accurately determine the diagnosis, a number of clinical tests are prescribed:

• scraping from the nail plates and skin of the toes;
• blood chemistry;
• analysis of feces for the presence of helminths;
• analysis for immunoglobulins, thyroid hormones;
• application tests.

If necessary, the patient is referred for a consultation with a gastroenterologist to rule out eczema.

The main cause of itching between the toes is a fungal infection. With mycosis, discomfort is felt more strongly after water procedures. If scraping from the nails and skin of the legs showed the presence of fungal spores, then complex antimycotic therapy is prescribed, taking into account the age and condition of the patient. In the absence of timely treatment, the fungus captures the nails, causing a change in their color, delamination and increased fragility. In severe cases, mycosis leads to flaking of the nail plates, which is accompanied by severe pain during walking and can be complicated by infection of the soft tissues of the toes.

Prevention

To avoid itching of the skin between the toes, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene:

• do pedicure regularly;
• wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap;
• when visiting swimming pools, baths, water parks, use individual hygiene products, personal shoes and a towel;

• wear comfortable shoes in size, excluding rubbing of the skin of the legs;
• use cotton socks.

With increased sweating of the feet, it is recommended to use antifungal powders, protective varnishes and gels for nails.

If you suffer from severe itching between your toes, do not self-medicate! Contact the dermatologists of the Podology Clinic and get rid of discomfort in the legs before complications appear.

Author of the article: Poletskaya Maria Nikolaevna

Read more

This article appears in sections

Psoriasis

Treatment of hyperhidrosis

Interdigital cracks

Mycosis of the skin

Atopic dermatitis

Microscopic studies

Eczema

PACT therapy

Foot fungus (foot mycosis)

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