Finger allergies are a very common problem that people face regardless of gender and age. Bubbles and cracks in the skin, dryness, pain, itching, burning are very unpleasant symptoms that significantly worsen a person’s quality of life. That is why people are looking for additional information about the disease.
Why is there a problem? What are the symptoms of finger allergy? What treatment methods does modern medicine offer? What can be done at home? The answers to these questions are worth a look.
General information about the disease
Allergy is inherently a response of the immune system to the effects of a substance. An allergic reaction is accompanied by a sharp increase in the level of immunoglobulins. These specific proteins stimulate the activity of basophils and mast cells, which is accompanied by the release of a large amount of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Of course, such processes have external manifestations - it can be a cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, digestive problems. But as statistics show, in most cases, allergies are accompanied by skin reactions.
Symptoms of allergies on the fingers
In the photo above you can see one of the options for a rash. Of course, the symptoms of allergies can be different - a lot depends on the cause of the pathology and the degree of sensitivity of the patient's body.
As a rule, first, small areas of redness appear on the skin of the fingers. Sometimes the tissues swell, itching, burning and soreness appear. As an allergic reaction develops, small rashes appear on the skin. Sometimes the rash looks like small vesicles with a clear liquid inside - in such cases we are talking about hives.
Often the skin on the fingers becomes dry and sensitive, begins to peel off very much. Cracks appear on it that slowly heal and give the patient a lot of inconvenience.
The main causes of the development of the disease
Before considering methods of treating allergies on the fingers, you should familiarize yourself with the main causes of its development. Skin reactions are the result of tissue interaction with the allergen.
- According to statistics, in most cases, an allergy develops after contact with various household chemicals. Detergents, powders, rinses - all these are potential allergens that fall mainly on the skin of the hands.
- Cosmetic agents can also provoke an allergic reaction, in particular soap, creams, and decorative cosmetics.
- Rashes and redness on the skin of the hands may be the result of eating certain foods. In most cases, food allergies are accompanied by the appearance of a rash and swelling in large areas of the skin, but occasionally reactions appear only on the hands.
- A small rash and redness on the fingers may appear after an insect bite. As a rule, in this case, there are other symptoms, in particular swelling and severe itching.
Are there any risk factors?
Factors that provoke the appearance of allergic reactions can be not only external, but also internal.
- As already mentioned, in fact, allergies are a consequence of the inadequate functioning of the immune system. Therefore, risk factors include conditions that are accompanied by a decrease or, conversely, excessive immunity activity.
- Risk factors include parasitic diseases (for example, an allergy on the fingers of a child in a child often develops against the background of helminthic invasions).
- Frequent allergic reactions may indicate the accumulation of various toxins in the body.
- Improper nutrition, constant stress, emotional overstrain - all this affects the hormonal level, which, in turn, affects the functioning of the immune system.
Allergic reaction to cold
Allergies on the fingers can be associated with increased sensitivity to low temperatures. As a rule, small reddish spots appear on the skin of the hands and fingers. With a more pronounced susceptibility to cold, tissues swell almost instantly. The skin becomes dry and begins to peel, which leads to the formation of small painful cracks.
Sometimes sensitivity to low temperatures provokes systemic disorders - people complain of poor health, tachycardia, breathing problems.
Water allergy
Finger allergies can result from skin contact with water. It is worth noting that this is a very rare type of allergic sensitivity. In this case, upon contact with the liquid, the human skin becomes dry and very sensitive. Patients also complain of redness and slight swelling. Allergies are accompanied by increased irritability, itching and burning.
In more severe cases, the ailment is accompanied by the appearance of small vesicles on the fingers. Allergy, by the way, in most cases is associated with salts and other substances dissolved in water. Occasionally, systemic disorders join skin symptoms. Some patients complain of digestive upsets. Sometimes shortness of breath, breathing problems, dry cough.
Allergic reaction to the sun
The skin on the hands is exposed to ultraviolet radiation almost all year round. The integuments of some people are sensitive to sunlight - slight redness appears on the skin of fingers and hands. The skin here becomes more sensitive and dry, and in the absence of therapy begins to peel off.
Occasionally, an allergy is accompanied by the formation of edema, an unpleasant burning sensation and the appearance of small purulent rashes.
Is the disease dangerous? Possible complications
Allergies between the fingers, rashes and redness of the skin on the fingers, swelling of the tissues, itching and burning are very unpleasant symptoms that create a lot of difficulties and significantly worsen the quality of life of the patient.
It is worth noting that in the absence of therapy, redness and a rash can spread to other areas of the skin. As already mentioned, allergies can be accompanied by systemic lesions (runny nose, cough, eating disorders).
The skin in the affected area becomes dry, begins to peel off, sometimes painful cracks and wounds appear on it, which can become a gateway to pathogenic microorganisms. According to statistics, skin forms of allergies are complicated by bacterial or fungal diseases.
Diagnostic measures
It is worthwhile to see a doctor if redness appears on the skin and the fingers itch. Allergies are often disguised as other diseases, which is why careful diagnosis is so important.
After a general examination and a medical history, the patient is sent for additional tests.
- Today, skin tests are the most accessible and informative diagnostic method. Certain areas of the patient’s skin are treated with solutions of potential allergens and the reaction is monitored.
- Laboratory tests are also carried out to determine the presence of specific Ig E proteins in the patient's blood (their appearance indicates the presence of an allergic reaction).
Patients are advised to keep diaries, write down information about consumed food, cosmetics and household chemicals used - sometimes this helps to determine what exactly caused the allergic reaction.
Finger allergy: treatment
It is worth immediately contacting a specialist if redness and blisters appear on the fingers. Allergy treatment begins with identifying and eliminating contact with potentially hazardous substances. In the future, doctors prescribe medication, and an integrated approach is very important here.
- First of all, patients are prescribed antihistamines. Such drugs as Tavegil, Suprastin, Loratidin, Diphenhydramine, Claritin are considered effective. The drugs are available both in the form of tablets, and in the form of ointments / creams for external use. These funds help relieve swelling, eliminate itching, burning and other unpleasant sensations.
- In more severe cases, doctors recommend the use of corticosteroids. Such drugs have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, they quickly eliminate redness, relieve itching and burning, accelerate the regeneration of skin tissues. Ointments such as Triderm, Elokom, Lokoid, Fluorocort are considered effective.
- Enterosorbents are also included in the treatment regimen, which bind and remove toxins from the body, thereby reducing the intensity of allergic symptoms. Such drugs as Polysorb, Smecta, Enterosgel are considered effective.
- If there is a secondary bacterial infection, then doctors prescribe the use of antibacterial drugs.
Alternative methods of therapy: how to deal with a rash on the hands?
Of course, traditional medicine offers a lot of allergy medications that help relieve discomfort and eliminate skin symptoms.
- In bathing water, it is advised to add decoctions of sage, string, chamomile. These herbs have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. Regular baths can relieve itching, reduce redness and swelling, accelerate skin healing processes.
- Some folk healers recommend drinking half a glass of decoction from licorice root or viburnum bark three times a day - this helps to normalize the functioning of the immune system.
- Compresses from a concentrated decoction of calendula flowers can be applied to the affected skin of the hands.
Prevention: how to prevent the development of an allergic reaction?
It is almost impossible to completely cure an allergy. Nevertheless, you can try to prevent the occurrence of seizures. Prevention comes down to following some recommendations.
- If you have to work with chemical solutions (including household cleaners), then remember about rubber gloves and other protective devices. Try to buy safe detergents and cleaning products, including detergent.
- Carefully choose your skin care cosmetics. It is better to give preference to hypoallergenic soap, cream and other means.
- If the appearance of allergies on the fingers is associated with exposure to ultraviolet rays, then before going out, it is recommended to use special hand creams with appropriate protective filters.
- In the cold season, it is important to use gloves, and treat the skin with oily nourishing cream at night.
- It is very important to monitor nutrition, as rashes and redness on the skin can be the result of food allergies. Bubbles and peeling of the skin can occur both during processing of food products, and after their use. Experts advise to abandon various exotic fruits and so-called allergen products (for example, honey and cocoa often cause an inadequate reaction of the body).
- To some extent, allergy is associated with the work of the immune system - its work must be maintained at the proper level. Effective will be proper nutrition, hardening, physical activity, intake of vitamins.
Of course, it is best to avoid contact with any potentially hazardous substance. If an allergy on the fingers is still manifested, it is better to consult a doctor - self-medication can only worsen the situation.