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Suggest Treatment For Callused,thickened Skin Which Splits And Bleeds?
Hello,
My thumb and forefinger tips have developed a callused, mild thickening which splits and bleeds. It appears to follow no pattern, and can split anywhere, in any direction and seems to happen whenever any shearing or stretching force is applied. I've looked at eczema, psoriasis and others and to be honest it fits any catagory. I do have some dry patches on my knuckles at times, and one on my left elbow area and one just below my left knee. this has been years. The skin surrounding the areas is completely normal. My right forefinger is the worst, its like I dipped it in something that caused a reaction, just beyond the tip my skin is normal. Thoughts?
My thumb and forefinger tips have developed a callused, mild thickening which splits and bleeds. It appears to follow no pattern, and can split anywhere, in any direction and seems to happen whenever any shearing or stretching force is applied. I've looked at eczema, psoriasis and others and to be honest it fits any catagory. I do have some dry patches on my knuckles at times, and one on my left elbow area and one just below my left knee. this has been years. The skin surrounding the areas is completely normal. My right forefinger is the worst, its like I dipped it in something that caused a reaction, just beyond the tip my skin is normal. Thoughts?
Wed, 5 Feb 2014
Hi. Thanks for posting your concern at HCM
I would keep a possibility of Hyperkeratosis of palms (Keratoderma) which can happen also as a part of psoriasis. I would keep a second possibility of psoriasis as well since you also happen to develop few patches on knuckles and at the elbows.
If i was your treating doctor i would have asked you to apply a good/intensive moisturiser cream at least twice daily. Applying a topical potent steroid+antibiotic ointment over the thickened callused skin twice daily would help in healing the cracks in a few weeks, following which you can change to a potent steroid+salicylic acid ointment.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic and helps to breakdown thick calloused skin.
I would advice that you visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis. Oral Retinoids may also be started in consultation with your dermatologist
regards
I would keep a possibility of Hyperkeratosis of palms (Keratoderma) which can happen also as a part of psoriasis. I would keep a second possibility of psoriasis as well since you also happen to develop few patches on knuckles and at the elbows.
If i was your treating doctor i would have asked you to apply a good/intensive moisturiser cream at least twice daily. Applying a topical potent steroid+antibiotic ointment over the thickened callused skin twice daily would help in healing the cracks in a few weeks, following which you can change to a potent steroid+salicylic acid ointment.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic and helps to breakdown thick calloused skin.
I would advice that you visit a dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis. Oral Retinoids may also be started in consultation with your dermatologist
regards
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