Conjunctivitis, also called pinkeye, is the inflammation of the surface of the eye. The outer layer of the eye, the conjunctiva, becomes irritated and red.

Allergies can cause conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis from allergies occurs when an allergen, something that triggers an allergy, irritates the surface of the eye.

Other causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial and viral infections. If a virus or bacteria causes the pink eye, there is a conjunctivitis incubation period of approximately five to twelve days before the symptoms begin.

There is no conjunctivitis incubation period for allergic conjunctivitis. The symptoms begin when the eye comes in contact with the triggering allergen.

Some forms of pinkeye have much shorter incubation periods. Gonococcal conjunctivitis in adults causes symptoms after only twelve to forty-eight hours after exposure, while the gonococcal conjunctivitis incubation period in newborns is two to five days.

The newborn can develop pinkeye from exposure to Chlamydia during birth. The conjunctivitis incubation period for pinkeye from Chlamydia exposure is five to fourteen days.

Adult inclusion pink eye from Chlamydia can have a long incubation period. The conjunctivitis incubation period for adult inclusion pink eye is two to nineteen days.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can cause redness, eyelid swelling, tearing, and itchiness. People with pinkeye may awaken with a sticky discharge on their eyelashes. Pinkeye can also cause sensitivity to light.

Tearing, itchiness, and redness are symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis from allergies does not usually cause discharge from the eyes like conjunctivitis from other causes. Symptoms from allergic conjunctivitis resolve on their own after the exposure to the allergen is stopped.

Conjunctivitis from allergies is not contagious. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pink eye. Antibiotics are often prescribed for people with pinkeye from viral infections even though antibiotics do not cure viral pinkeye. This is because many people need to be on antibiotics in order to return to school or work.

The symptoms from viral conjunctivitis are typically gone in about a week. Severe cases of viral pink eye can last up to three weeks.

Posted under Allergies

Fingertip eczema is the presence of atopic dermatitis or rash on the tips of the fingers. It may affect one, a few, or all the fingers. In some cases, the fingertip eczema affects the fingernails as well as the skin.

Fingertip eczema causes a dry, flaky rash. Often, the skin on the fingertips peels. The dry skin may crack or appear thick and wrinkled.

The dry skin of fingertip eczema may crack and bleed. If the rash bleeds, it is susceptible to infection. If the person experiences any signs of infection, the person should consult a physician. An infection can become serious.

Some people with fingertip eczema report feeling a tingling sensation in the affected fingertips. People with fingertip eczema may suffer from pain and discomfort. The fingers may hurt during normal activities. People may also feel self-conscious about the rash on their hands.

There is some debate over the cause of fingertip eczema as well as many other forms of eczema. Sometimes, eczema is due to contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Some people are just prone to flare-ups of eczema for no known reason other than heredity. Eczema flare-ups tend to be more frequent during the winter months.

The doctor will examine the rash and ask questions regarding the patients history of rashes or sensitive skin when diagnosing fingertip eczema. The doctor may also ask about any activities that may have triggered the flare-up.

Keeping skin moisturized may help prevent eczema flare-ups especially during winter. The doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream or other medicated ointment.

People with fingertip eczema or other forms of eczema often have occasional flare-ups of the condition. People of any age can have eczema though some people only have the condition in childhood. Keeping the skin moisturized especially during winter is recommended to help prevent eczema rashes.

Frequent or prolonged contact with hot water can increase the risk or severity of fingertip eczema. People with fingertip eczema should avoid frequent hand-washing.

Posted under Allergies

Fingertip eczema is the presence of atopic dermatitis or rash on the tips of the fingers. It may affect one, a few, or all the fingers. In some cases, the fingertip eczema affects the fingernails as well as the skin.

Fingertip eczema causes a dry, flaky rash. Often, the skin on the fingertips peels. The dry skin may crack or appear thick and wrinkled.

The dry skin of fingertip eczema may crack and bleed. If the rash bleeds, it is susceptible to infection. If the person experiences any signs of infection, the person should consult a physician. An infection can become serious.

Symptoms of fingertip eczema differ from person to person. Some people experience a tingling sensation or tightness of the skin. Some people report discomfort or pain, especially while typing or doing other activities that require the use of the fingertips.

There is some debate over the cause of fingertip eczema as well as many other forms of eczema. Sometimes, eczema is due to contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Some people are just prone to flare-ups of eczema for no known reason other than heredity. Eczema flare-ups tend to be more frequent during the winter months.

The doctor will examine the rash and ask questions regarding the patients history of rashes or sensitive skin when diagnosing fingertip eczema. The doctor may also ask about any activities that may have triggered the flare-up.

Moisturizers are often the first treatment that is tried. If moisturizer fails to clear the symptoms of fingertip eczema, the physician may prescribe a topical steroid cream. Some dermatologists recommend the application of shortening after bathing to soften and moisturize the skin.

Some people only ever have one episode of fingertip eczema, but for many people this condition is recurrent. Frequently moisturizing the skin may help prevent flare-ups.

People with eczema should avoid skin contact with chemicals or prolonged exposure to hot water. If people with fingertip eczema must handle substances that may dry the skin, they should wear rubber gloves.

Posted under Allergies