Fingertip Eczema

The patient is a 52 yo warehouseman with a two year history of a painful fingertip eczema of the first three fingers of his right hand and first four fingers of his left (dominant) hand. He handles cardboard boxes and drives a fork lift. He is also an avid golfer. The dermatitis is not seasonal.



He has been only minimally helped by super-potent topical corticosteroids.

Patch testing is scheduled but all we have available here is T.R.U.E. Test. If not helpful, he will be sent to an occupational dermatology department for further testing.

I assume this is an occupational contact dermatitis and have recommended that he use cotton gloves at work if possible.

Your ideas as to etiology and treatment pending definitive patch testing will be appreciated.