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What Causes Extreme Dry Brittle Finger Nails?

Posted on Thu, 11 Feb 2016

Question: Hi,

The sides of my fingers where the nail and skin meet gets dry and the joint seems to come apart, not pain no blood,
Have small area of rough skin between finger in right hand.

I have not been able to find the cause so far.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Photograph required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query.
This happens when the skin looses lot of moisture.
Can you please upload a photograph of the involved area.
This will help me in giving a closer diagnosis.
Waiting for your response.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (18 hours later)

Hi,

One more incident came to my mind.
In year 2011-2012 once I had to walk in noon in XXXXXXX the temp was 38+,
That time my fingers swell like they had been stung by wasp or bees, and the joint of finger and nails bleeded (very little) and If i kept my hands in my pockets the swelling disappeared

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello , Welcome back to HCM.

Thanks for the photograph.

It is appearing like fungal infection of nail fold.

These infections are chronic and keep recurring with varying intensity.

I treat such cases with oral and topical antifungal drugs.
A combination of oral and topical Terbinafine works well.

You can try this in consultation with your doctor.

Let me know if you have any other doubts.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (10 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for the reply,
I am wondering what is the origin of this infection and how did I get in contact with it.

Second if it is permitted to ask, how can I meet you in person.

And what could be done to prevent spread,
and are there another body parts that can be affected like can hair fall be related to this.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Fungal infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Thanks for the Follow-up.

Usually fungus enters the nail fold thtogh any gap between nail and skin.

Once inside it grows slowly and involves the whole nail resulting in swelling and pain.

There is no relation with hair fall.

I usually don't stay at a particular clinic hence it is difficult to give appointment however I can suggest you names of good doctors.

Please let me know in which city you are staying.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (32 hours later)

I live in Bengaluru.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Visit manipal

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It would be better if you can visit manipal hospital.
The dermatologists there are good and efficient.
Thank you

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T