Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsContact DermatitisDyshidrotic EczemaPalmoplantar PsoriasisDiabetic NeuropathyScabiesWhen to See a ProviderFAQs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Contact Dermatitis
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Palmoplantar Psoriasis
Diabetic Neuropathy
Scabies
When to See a Provider
FAQs
There are many reasons why you may have itchy fingers, including relatively harmless ones like havingdry hands. However, itchy fingers can also sometimes be a sign of a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema, or a nerve-related issue like peripheral neuropathy.
This article discusses the five specific causes of itchy fingers and what you can do to treat them.
Boy_Anupong / Getty Images
Contact dermatitisis a rash that develops after touching an irritant orallergen(allergy-causing substance). Contact with an irritant or allergen triggers a localinflammatory responsethat stimulates itch receptors in the skin, callednociceptors.
The hands are commonly affected because we use them frequently to touch and grab things.
Contact dermatitis causes reddish areas of skin that can be swollen and peppered with tiny, pimple-like rashes. The rashes can be extremely itchy. In severe cases, tiny blisters and breaks in the skin can develop.
Substances that can cause contact dermatitis include:
Treatment
Contact dermatitis will clear up after removing the irritant or allergen. In the meantime, to reduce irritation and itchiness, you can use an over-the-counter (OTC)steroid cream or ointmentcontaining0.5% to 1.0% hydrocortisone.
OTCantihistamineslikeZytec (cetirizine)orClaritin (loratadine)can also help ease itchiness. Applying acool compressto the affected skin can also help.
Best Treatments for Contact Dermatitis
Dyshidrotic eczemais a form ofdermatitisthat develops on the fingers and palms of the hands. The condition, also known as discoid eczema, causes small, fluid-filled blisters that are extremely itchy and can ooze when scratched. The affected skin may also be red, flaky, cracked, and painful.
The condition usually starts with several tiny blisters that gradually enlarge and merge into larger clusters resembling tapioca pudding. Asecondary infectioncan occur if bacteria is introduced into scratched and broken skin.
The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown but is considered a form of atopy (meaning an allergic condition closely tied tofood allergy,hay fever, andasthma). People witheczematypically have one or more of these related conditions.
Dyshidrotic eczema can be treated withcorticosteroids(steroids) that quickly ease inflammation.Prednisone tabletsare most commonly used, but severe cases may require an injection oftriamcinoloneinto a large muscle.
OTC antihistamines can help ease itching, whileemollient moisturizerscan soothe and repair dried, damaged skin. A cold compress can also help.
How Common Is Dyshidrotic Eczema?
There is no cure for plantopalmar psoriasis, but it can betreatedwith an arsenal of medications and treatments, such as:
The Best Medications for Psoriasis
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetic peripheral neuropathyis a complication ofdiabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot control blood sugar due to a lack of the hormoneinsulinor alack of sensitivity to insulin.
When blood sugar is continually elevated, it can damage the protective coating of nerve cells, calledmyelin. As myelin is progressively stripped away, the exposed nerves can start to “misfire,” triggering nerve pain and other abnormal sensations known asperipheral neuropathy.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy typically occurs when a person hasn’t managed their blood sugar levels over a long period. The hands and feet are predominantly affected.Other symptoms include dry skin, increased hunger or thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue.
Other risk factors for diabetic neuropathy include:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is considered an advanced complication of diabetes and therefore requires a combination of treatments, such as:
Type 2 Diabetes Medication and Treatment
Scabiesis a highly contagious parasitic infestation that occurs when the human itch mite burrows into your skin and lays eggs. Eventually, the mites hatch and live beneath the skin, causing irritation and often relentless itching that gets worse at night.
Othersymptoms of scabiesinclude:
Scabies is treated with a topical prescription ointment or shampoo known as a scabicide. It contains the active ingredientpermethrinwhich can kill the mites and the eggs.
For scabies of the hand and body, the permethrin ointment is copiously applied and left for 8 to 14 hours. One treatment can sometimes clear the infestation, but if symptoms recur, another application may be needed.
To avoid reinfestation, all bedding, towels, and clothing should be washed in hot water. All members of the household should also be treated.
How Scabies Is Treated
When to See a Healthcare Provider
A treatable condition or infection often causes itchy fingers. However, since treatments can vary, it’s best to see your healthcare provider if:
These symptoms indicate that there may be an underlying health condition at play and require a specific form of diagnosis and treatment to be remedied.
In the case of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the itching sensations can be indicative of nerve damage. You will want to see your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you may have diabetes based on other symptoms such asfatigue,increased thirstor hunger, weight loss, or other sensations in the extremities.
Summary
Itchy fingers have many causes, such as dyshidrotic eczema, psoriasis, or scabies. Since the causes vary, so do the treatment options. In many cases, topical application of creams or ointments will do the trick if you use the right one. Additionally, it is a good idea to avoid harsh skin care products that may irritate.
Ensure that your hands are completely dry after washing, and wear gloves during cold, dry weather. Before trying any OTC therapies, see your healthcare provider. You should also see them if you have other symptoms alerting you to a treatable health disorder or diabetes.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYou can apply a cold compress to the affected area to stop itching fast. That will help ease the itching sensation while reducing inflammation. For lasting relief, you will want to contact your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis before starting any at-home remedies.Learn MoreHow to Stop ItchingIf you have itchy fingers and are experiencing other symptoms, you may need to consider seeing your healthcare provider. Pay attention to other symptoms, such as skin blistering, irritation, bleeding, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and fatigue. These symptoms should prompt you to visit your healthcare provider.Learn MoreCan Itchy Skin be a Symptom of Cancer?
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply a cold compress to the affected area to stop itching fast. That will help ease the itching sensation while reducing inflammation. For lasting relief, you will want to contact your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis before starting any at-home remedies.Learn MoreHow to Stop Itching
You can apply a cold compress to the affected area to stop itching fast. That will help ease the itching sensation while reducing inflammation. For lasting relief, you will want to contact your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis before starting any at-home remedies.
Learn MoreHow to Stop Itching
If you have itchy fingers and are experiencing other symptoms, you may need to consider seeing your healthcare provider. Pay attention to other symptoms, such as skin blistering, irritation, bleeding, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and fatigue. These symptoms should prompt you to visit your healthcare provider.Learn MoreCan Itchy Skin be a Symptom of Cancer?
If you have itchy fingers and are experiencing other symptoms, you may need to consider seeing your healthcare provider. Pay attention to other symptoms, such as skin blistering, irritation, bleeding, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and fatigue. These symptoms should prompt you to visit your healthcare provider.
Learn MoreCan Itchy Skin be a Symptom of Cancer?
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: a common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus.2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839Yang L, Fu J, Zhou Y.Research progress in atopic march.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1907. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01907National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.Timotijevic ZS, Trajjkovic G.How frequently does palmoplantar psoriasis affect the palms and/or soles? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.2019 Oct;36(5):595–603. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.89508Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004Canadian Diabetes Association.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC.Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study.Biology (Basel).2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes symptoms.Javed S, Petropoulos IN, Alam U, Malik RA.Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2015;6(1):15-28. doi:10.1177/2040622314552071Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies frequently asked questions (FAQs).MedlinePlus.Permethrin topical.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: a common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus.2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839Yang L, Fu J, Zhou Y.Research progress in atopic march.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1907. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01907National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.Timotijevic ZS, Trajjkovic G.How frequently does palmoplantar psoriasis affect the palms and/or soles? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.2019 Oct;36(5):595–603. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.89508Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004Canadian Diabetes Association.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC.Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study.Biology (Basel).2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes symptoms.Javed S, Petropoulos IN, Alam U, Malik RA.Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2015;6(1):15-28. doi:10.1177/2040622314552071Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies frequently asked questions (FAQs).MedlinePlus.Permethrin topical.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: a common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus.2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839Yang L, Fu J, Zhou Y.Research progress in atopic march.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1907. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01907National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.Timotijevic ZS, Trajjkovic G.How frequently does palmoplantar psoriasis affect the palms and/or soles? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.2019 Oct;36(5):595–603. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.89508Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004Canadian Diabetes Association.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC.Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study.Biology (Basel).2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes symptoms.Javed S, Petropoulos IN, Alam U, Malik RA.Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2015;6(1):15-28. doi:10.1177/2040622314552071Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies frequently asked questions (FAQs).MedlinePlus.Permethrin topical.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Contact dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.Contact dermatitis.
Calle Sarmiento PM, Chango Azanza JJ.Dyshidrotic eczema: a common cause of palmar dermatitis.Cureus.2020;12(10):e10839. doi:10.7759/cureus.10839
Yang L, Fu J, Zhou Y.Research progress in atopic march.Front Immunol. 2020;11:1907. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01907
National Eczema Association.Dyshidrotic eczema.
National Psoriasis Foundation.About psoriasis.
Timotijevic ZS, Trajjkovic G.How frequently does palmoplantar psoriasis affect the palms and/or soles? A systematic review and meta-analysis.Postepy Dermatol Alergol.2019 Oct;36(5):595–603. doi:10.5114/ada.2019.89508
Engin B, Askin O, Tuzun Y, et al.Palmoplantar psoriasis.Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan-Feb;35(1):19-27. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.09.004
Canadian Diabetes Association.Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
Stefaniak AA, Krajewski PK, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Bolanowski M, Mazur G, Szepietowski JC.Itch in adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: clinical profile, pathogenesis and disease-related burden in a cross-sectional study.Biology (Basel).2021;10(12):1332. doi:10.3390/biology10121332
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes symptoms.
Javed S, Petropoulos IN, Alam U, Malik RA.Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2015;6(1):15-28. doi:10.1177/2040622314552071
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Scabies frequently asked questions (FAQs).
MedlinePlus.Permethrin topical.
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