Cracked Fingertips

Common Causes of Cracked Fingertips

Common Causes of Cracked Fingertips

In most cases, cracked and peeling skin around the fingertips is caused by dry skin.

Peeling Fingertips

Peeling fingertips are a sign of very dry skin, known as xerosis. Many people experience dry skin from products and exposures, such as:

• Harsh chemicals in hand soaps and cleaning products
• Dry climates
• Aging
• Winter weather
• Exposure to the sun
• Long, hot showers

Medical Conditions That Cause Cracked Fingertips

In some cases, cracked, painful fingers can indicate an underlying medical condition that may require treatment. Possibilities range from eczema and skin infection to diabetes and cancer.

Skin Conditions

Painfully dry skin is associated with chronic skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

• Eczema: An inflammatory skin condition that causes a scaly, inflamed, itchy rash. Eczema is more likely to occur on the fingertips, but if you have flaky, scaly spots, these might indicate psoriasis.
• Psoriasis: An inflammatory autoimmune disorder that leads to lesions or inflamed scaly patches on skin.

Skin Infection

Once your skin becomes dry and cracked, it’s easier for bacteria and other germs to enter your body. This leads to an increased risk of infection, which can make it harder for your dry, cracked skin to heal.

Diabetes

People with diabetes often experience changes to blood flow in their extremities, particularly the hands and feet. This can cause skin to become dry and cracked.

Cancer

In rare instances, dry, cracked skin on the fingers may be a sign of cancer.

Vitamin Deficiency

Two vitamins that play a vital role in skin health are vitamin E and vitamin C. If you don’t get enough of these nutrients, you may be more prone to dry, cracked fingertips.

Symptoms That Accompany Cracked Fingertips

• Redness and swelling
• Itching and burning
• Small, fluid-filled blisters
• Open sores
• Scaly patches
• Small growths or sores, possibly a sign of a cancerous growth

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider might be able to make a diagnosis by examining the skin and asking about your medical history and circumstances that may have contributed to your cracked fingertips. Eczema, psoriasis, and athlete’s foot can be diagnosed this way.

Treatment for Peeling Fingertips

If your cracked fingertips don’t respond to moisturizing, speak with your healthcare provider about other treatment options.

How to Prevent Cracked Fingertips

The key to maintaining soft skin and avoiding cracked skin is to moisturize well and often. Follow these steps to keep skin hydrated:

• After washing your hands, leave them slightly damp or allow them to air-dry.
• While your hands are damp, apply hand cream, focusing on the fingertips and nails.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after using hand sanitizer, as the alcohol it contains can make dry skin worse.

Conclusion

In most cases, cracked fingertips are caused by dry skin resulting from environmental triggers, such as a dry climate, aging, or harsh chemicals in soaps or cleaning products. Less commonly, it may be caused by eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, or another underlying condition. Cancer is another possibility, though a rare one. Moisturizing your hands should help your cracked fingertips. If they’re still dry, it’s best to speak to a healthcare provider about other treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What causes dry skin on the fingers?
  • Dry skin on the fingers can be caused by a variety of factors, including harsh chemicals in hand soaps and cleaning products, dry climates, aging, winter weather, exposure to the sun, and long, hot showers.
• What are the common symptoms of dry skin on the fingers?
  • Common symptoms of dry skin on the fingers include redness, swelling, itching, burning, small, fluid-filled blisters, open sores, scaly patches, and small growths or sores.
• How can I prevent dry skin on my fingers?
  • To prevent dry skin on your fingers, moisturize your hands well and often, avoid harsh chemicals in soaps and cleaning products, and protect your skin from the sun.
• What are the medical conditions that can cause dry skin on the fingers?
  • Medical conditions that can cause dry skin on the fingers include eczema, psoriasis, diabetes, and cancer.