flacky skin

[taytay]

red itching rash between fingers (only on one hand) comes and goes... very itchy flacky skin... i am careful not to wear jewlery now..

just as it seems to go it returns
quartizone cream helps but just makes it dryer


also have dry flacky skin on eye lid, just under eye brows... very bad when i wake up in the morning.

what is causing this?

i am careful to not use frgranced products, don't wear makeup often... i am funny with some soaps so use non fragrance hospital friendly soaps...

my tummy seems to be funny with glutin products such as breads and pastas... can this also effect your skin? could it be something i am eating?

[Debbie Miller, RN]

Hello
I suspect you are a sensitive type with allergic responses going on. I am not saying your skin condition is a result of your diet but eczema and allergies, even food sensitivities such as gluten intolerance often go together. You may want to see an allergist to determine what your sensitivities are. Often with jewelry it is nickel, a common alloy in metal jewelry. Some people can wear 18 karat gold and jewelry made from such metals as nickel-free stainless steel, surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 18-karat yellow gold, nickel-free 14-karat yellow gold or niobium. Avoid white gold. You are probably not a good candidate for piercings.

Keep in mind the nickel can be present in all kinds of metal that touches your skin such as clasps, watchbands, zippers and eyeglass frames.

You may benefit from using a thick cream such as Cetaphyl or Eucerin (not the lotion) on the areas that get dry.

Best wishes