Erosio Interdigitalis Blastomycetica is one of those medical terms I think is worse than the condition itself.
Most people have never even heard of it, although it is surprisingly common; particularly among people whose hands are in or exposed to moisture for long periods of time.
It is a fungal infection of the skin that affects the web spaces between the fingers caused by the yeast of Candida species. It produces an inflamed, tender whitish eroded patch of skin that itches, cracks and generally feels miserable.
If you are aware of what causes this condition, how to spot it early and what treatments work then the quicker you recover and the less chance of it returning.
What Causes Erosio Interdigitalis Blastomycetica Between Fingers
Candida living on the human skin in small numbers do not pose a threat under normal circumstances. However certain conditions will thrive and cause an imbalance of the fungi on the skin.
Excess moisture is the single biggest risk factor
One of the biggest risk factors and most common causes of Erosio Interdigitalis Blastomycetica is continuously wet hands.
Anything that involves frequently washing dishes, handling food, working with raw food, cleaning professionally or wearing rubber gloves for a period of time are all common causes for this problem.
The skin space between the 3rd and 4th finger (or more specifically the web space there) is the most common site.
If moisture remain trapped within that space then the skin becomes soft, fragile and weak providing the ideal entrance for the Candida to attack from. The outer layer of the skin will eventually break down resulting in the erosion and maceration that is characteristic of this problem.
Who is most likely to suffer with Erosio Interdigitalis Blastomycetica
Some groups of people are more prone than others.
For example, diabetics tend to have higher than normal levels of glucose in their sweat and under their skin secretions. This allows the Candida to utilize the additional nutrients and grow much faster.
Those who are immuno compromised are also at a higher risk of suffering. Interestingly, the condition is not limited to fully grown adults; children who habitually suck their fingers or thumbs are prone to the condition too.
Obese people may also be more likely to suffer as skin folds maintain heat and moisture. Therefore while anyone can be affected by this condition; the combination of moisturizing hands and a pre-existing health issue will make it more likely to happen.
Recognising Erosio Interdigitalis Blastomycetica Symptoms Early
Having easily identifiable symptoms that are confirmed by the diagnosis at the initial stage can help to improve the prognosis.
However, these are not always easy to identify and are at times confused with other skin conditions.
The sure to be seen when examining the skin
Often upon examination, the most obvious feature is an area of whitish or pale eroded skin that is triangular or oval in shape. On closer inspection the affected area often has a moist, ‘macerated’ appearance.
There is often surrounding erythema, some degree of edema and a mild burning or itching sensation that varies between being mild to very itchy.
In some instances fissures or cracks may become visible at the borders of the affected area and may bleed.
The skin will not blister as other skin conditions do making it easy to spot this fungal condition.
How a doctor will diagnose the condition
The visual presentation of this condition is very characteristic so a dermatologist will usually diagnose this illness directly.
However, in order to rule out similar conditions such as bacterial infection or psoriasis a doctor may need to scrape the skin and examine it with a microscope.
This is a simple procedure and the sample may be placed on a slide with a solution of potassium hydroxide applied which dissolves the epidermal cells revealing any present Candida organisms.
In some cases a fungal culture may be required to confirm the exact fungi species that is present.
It is important to remember this diagnosis as launching the wrong treatment will be unsuccessful.
Treatment Options for Erosio Interdigitalis Blastomycetica Prevention
This fungal condition responds very well to anti-fungal treatment, particularly if diagnosed early. It will not always require aggressive treatment and can be managed with good treatment strategies and lifestyle changes.
Anti-fungal preparations that work
Well circulated topical antifungal creams are used first. Two drugs that tend to be very effective are clotrimazole and miconozale.
These are freely available over the counter and can be slathered onto the skin.
Ideally this should be applied twice a day for several weeks depending upon the severity of the condition. It is important that the skin remains dry between each use in order for the medicine to work effectively.
In some cases it can be necessary to use an oral drug if the infection is severe or remains resistant to topical medications.
An example of this is fluconazole although this can be used to top up topical methods. It would then usually be necessary for other measures to be employed such as gloves during dish washing.
Lifestyle changes that help prevent a relapse
Water absorption and gentle washing can only do so much if the hands continue to remain exposed to water and moisture.
Glosses fitted under rubber gloves are useful in absorbing the moisture form within the glove especially if working with hands in water or detergent for long periods. Ensuring the hands are dried thoroughly (particularly in between the fingers) can be very effective and people find the habit easy to develop.
Those suffering with diabetes should seek to limit the amount of glucose excreted in to the sweat and skin secretions. Moisture Wicking fabrics and barrier creams may help prevent further on set.
If hands are regularly exposed to water during working hours it may be advantageous to discuss the problem with an occupational health specialist.
Erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica can be effectively managed with the right topical remedy and a number of lifestyle changes. The symptoms can be masked or confused with other skin conditions so the correct diagnosis is essential.
Once the correct medication has been identified the problem is very treatable with most people making a quick recovery in a matter of weeks. Protecting the hands from continuous wet conditions and reducing the contributing factors can help to prevent further recurrences.
Don’t overlook ongoing skin changes between your fingers with the false reassurance that they’re only minor irritations. If left, they could turn to something simple that is easy to treat in time.