I have a skin problem which no-one seems able to diagnose.
I have a family history of eczema though mine faded at age 8. I'm now 35 and am having terrible skin problems which I'll describe below:
Sometimes the ball of my thumb or my heel would crack. This would be painful and deep but would heal naturally or with the help of Flexitol foot cream. However, over the past year the problem has worsened drastically. The cracks are on both feet (soles and heels) and on both hands (fingers and thumbs). Nothing will heal the cracks and there is also general redness and itching. It is currently so painful I cannot place my feet squarely on the ground.
A podiatrist said it was a fungal infection but her recommended treatments failed. My GP gave me various topical and oral steroid treatments plus high-strength antihistimaines. They've had no effect. I've been to a Drmatologist who suggested Phototherapy. This hasn't helped either.
I got a dog six months ago, but am not allergic to dogs and my GP agrees this does not seem to be an allergic reaction.
Also, I began working from home two years ago and often suffer panic attacks which means I rarely leave the house except for short walks with the dog. Could this be a contributing factor? Could it be as simple as lack of sunlight?
Please help me. I'm absolutely desperate.