Understanding Cuts on Finger Creases: A Personal Experience
For the past several months, I have been dealing with persistent cuts that emerge on the natural folds of my fingers. These cuts tend to manifest sporadically, with a minimum of one occurring each day, and at times, multiple ones appearing. Once a cut seems to heal, another one arises, and this issue is confined to the skin on two fingers of my right hand. I visited a walk-in clinic where a physician prescribed me an antifungal cream along with a steroid ointment. While these treatments provide some relief for a day or two, the issue invariably returns, leaving me looking for additional insights or potential solutions. To provide some background, I frequently wash my hands as part of my daily routine, particularly since I prepare meals for a family of four. I've noticed that contact with acidic foods tends to exacerbate the discomfort in the affected areas. I am a male weighing 160 pounds, and I do not smoke. Any guidance or shared experiences regarding this condition would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 7:01:17 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with persistent and frustrating cuts on the folds of your fingers, which may be aggravated by frequent hand washing and contact with acidic foods. This condition can be uncomfortable and affect your daily life, especially since the treatments you've tried have only provided temporary relief. Let’s look at possible causes and next steps.
Understanding the Issue
Persistent cuts on the skin of your fingers, especially in the creases, can occur due to:
- Dry Skin: Frequent hand washing can strip natural oils from your skin, making it more prone to cuts and irritations.
- Fungal Infections: While you've been prescribed antifungal cream, it’s possible that the infection might not be fully addressed, especially if the environment remains damp or irritated.
- Contact Dermatitis: This may occur from handling certain foods or irritants, causing your skin to become sensitive and cut easily.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to manage and potentially alleviate your condition:
-
Moisturize Regularly: Apply a thick, fragrance-free hand cream immediately after washing your hands and before bed. This can help restore moisture and protect your skin barrier. Look for creams that contain ingredients like glycerin or urea.
-
Limit Hand Washing Frequency: While it’s important to wash hands, try to reduce the frequency to only when necessary, especially if your hands are already irritated. When you do wash, use lukewarm water and a mild soap.
-
Avoid Acidic Foods: Since you've noticed that acidic foods exacerbate your discomfort, try to minimize contact with these foods to see if it helps reduce irritation.
-
Use Protective Gloves: When preparing acidic foods or if you'll be washing dishes, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from further irritation.
-
Revisit Treatment Options: If you continue to experience cuts, it may be worthwhile to discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of different treatments, such as a stronger antifungal or a specialized cream for dermatitis.
-
Keep Track of Symptoms: Maintain a log of when cuts appear and any potential triggers (like specific foods or activities). This can help you identify patterns or irritants that may be contributing to your issue.
Conclusion
Your concern is valid, and managing the irritation effectively requires a combination of protective measures and potentially re-evaluating your treatment plan. Pay close attention to how your skin responds to these changes, and adjust accordingly. If your symptoms continue or worsen, further professional advice may be beneficial. Please let me know if I'd be able to assist you further or provide additional information!
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on Unusual Facial Tingling
I’m a 36-year-old female, weighing approximately 130 pounds. My medical background includes cyclical vomiting syndrome, an anxiety disorder, a recent OCD diagnosis, and a history of cluster headaches, for which I take 50mg of nortriptyline, 10mg of Buspar twice daily, vitamin B12, and a birth control pill. About a decade ago, I started experiencing a peculiar sensation on the right side of my face, which I likened to the feeling of being splashed with water. These episodes were brief, lasting up to half a minute, and they randomly occurred throughout the day without any accompanying symptoms. Upon seeking medical advice, I underwent comprehensive blood tests and imaging, including CT and MRI scans. My neurologist conducted several assessments in the clinic, but all results came back normal. I was told it was probably anxiety—though I found this hard to believe since the tingling continued even in low-stress situations—and I was advised to return if the symptoms escalated. Over the subsequent months, the tingling sensations dwindled and eventually stopped. They occasionally returned, but these incidents were not concerning and seemed to emerge at random intervals. Five years later, the same tingling returned but intensified into a pins-and-needles sensation encroaching on a broader area of my face, lasting up to two minutes. Another round of tests, including MRIs, showed no abnormalities. Once again, I was told to seek help if my condition worsened. This cycle repeated several times; the symptoms would linger for a few months and then vanish, never intensifying. Recently, however, I faced a resurgence of these tingling sensations, this time extending to my arms, legs, and hip on both sides of my body, with episodes lasting up to ten minutes. I underwent more tests, including a cervical MRI, but the findings remained unremarkable. A rheumatologist and neurologist evaluated me without identifying any concerning issues. I have a follow-up appointment with my primary care doctor next week, and I suspect I’ll receive a similar response: to return if there's deterioration in my symptoms. Hence, I’m wondering if anyone has insights into what might be happening—any rare conditions to be aware of that haven’t been ruled out yet? It seems we’ve dismissed the more common explanations. My greatest worry is facing a sudden onset of serious neurological symptoms, something we may have been able to detect sooner. Thank you for any thoughts!
Understanding Elevated AST Levels When Other Liver Functions Are Normal
Profile: 44-year-old male, height 6'1", weight 188 lbs, Caucasian, non-smoker, occasional alcohol consumer, no prescribed medications, uses some dietary supplements including a multivitamin, green tea extract, pomegranate extract, and beetroot extract. During a recent check-up, most results were satisfactory; however, a single liver enzyme—AST—was reported slightly above the established reference range. While bilirubin and ALT levels remained within normal limits, this raised a few questions. Additionally, the day prior to the tests, I completed an intense run and consumed a glass of red wine. Over the past couple of months, I also engaged in intermittent fasting for weight loss, during which my weight decreased from 196 to 188 pounds. My BMI stands at the threshold of 25, reflecting that I maintain a relatively active lifestyle. For context, my liver enzyme levels had been normal for the prior two years, and I typically drink alcohol 1-2 times weekly, mostly red wine. All other components of my metabolic panel and complete blood count were within acceptable ranges. Given that both bilirubin and ALT levels are normal, how serious should I consider the elevated AST reading? Could this elevation be linked to my recent running and fasting regimen, or should I be vigilant for other potential health concerns?
Delayed Menstruation
During some intimate interactions, I (26, male) was wearing boxers while she (26, female) was fully unclothed. We engaged in actions that resemble sexual activity, including rubbing and pressing against her vaginal area. Although there was no ejaculation, there was some precum involved. Initially, I didn't worry much as I had come across information suggesting that such activities are generally safe when clothing is involved. However, considering that she is currently in her fertile period, I now feel concerned because her menstrual cycle is two days overdue; she typically has a regular cycle. Additionally, she usually experiences pronounced PMS symptoms, yet this time she hasn’t noticed any signs despite her period being delayed. I'm making an effort to remain calm and avoid alarming her, but I'm increasingly anxious and fear that something might be amiss.
Duration of Hives: What to Expect
Recently, my teenager accidentally sprayed body mist from Bath & Body Works on my 2-year-old, who has no prior health issues. Instantly, she developed hives across her skin and face. We contacted a nursing hotline for advice and have since bathed her in lukewarm water several times, administered Benadryl, and used hydrocortisone cream for relief. Additionally, I applied some previously stored breast milk, which seemed to improve her condition a little before bedtime. However, upon waking up, the hives persisted in various spots on her body. Despite taking Benadryl and using cream, she has been scratching so much that it's causing her to bleed. I had hoped that washing off the irritant would lead to a quick clearing of the rash. How long can I expect the hives to last after eliminating the allergen?
Throat Discomfort After Covid
A 56-year-old woman weighing 170 lbs, previously diagnosed with ovarian cancer, is currently not undergoing any form of treatment after completing chemotherapy and PARP inhibitor therapy. She is not taking any medications at this time. She has a medical port located on the side of her throat where the discomfort is occurring and has had dental implants as well. Prior to contracting Covid, she experienced a sinus infection for which she completed a full regimen of antibiotics. During a two-week period with Covid, she suffered from severe throat pain, mild fever, and considerable body aches. Gradually, her health improved, and she resumed her usual activities, including socializing and shopping by the end of the week. However, last night, she began to experience an unusual type of throat pain. It feels as if a knuckle is being pressed into the side of her throat, with the pain radiating towards her ear. Additionally, she perceives some discomfort in the facial nerve. Given that her port connects to the jugular vein on the affected side, albeit lower than the site of pain, she is concerned about whether this indicates a serious issue or if it is merely a lingering effect following her viral infection.