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How to cure this

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The image shows two raised, red-to-violaceous (purple-red) lesions on the dorsal (top) side of the index finger, located over the PIP joint (middle knuckle) and DIP joint (near the nail). The larger proximal lesion is raised, thickened, and slightly crusted; the smaller distal one appears more like a superficial erosion or healing crack.
Important disclaimer: I cannot give you a definitive diagnosis from a photo - only a doctor or dermatologist can do that. However, here is what these lesions commonly represent and how they are managed:

Most Likely Possibilities

1. Knuckle Pads / Trauma-Related Callus

Raised, thickened skin over knuckles from repeated friction or pressure.
  • Treatment: Stop the habit/friction, apply moisturizing creams (urea 10-20% or petroleum jelly), soft bandaging.

2. Eczema (Nummular/Dyshidrotic Dermatitis)

Itchy, scaly, crusted patches common on fingers and hands.
  • Treatment:
    • Topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone 1% OTC, or stronger prescription ones like betamethasone)
    • Emollients and moisturizers (applied frequently)
    • Avoid triggers (harsh soaps, wet work without gloves)
    • For infected eczema: topical antibiotic cream (mupirocin)

3. Psoriasis (Plaque Type)

Red, scaly, raised plaques that commonly appear on extensor surfaces like knuckles.
  • Treatment:
    • Topical corticosteroids
    • Topical vitamin D analogues (calcipotriol)
    • For stubborn cases: coal tar preparations, salicylic acid (to remove scaling)
    • See a dermatologist if spreading

4. Lichen Planus

Purplish, itchy, flat-to-raised papules on the skin.
  • Treatment:
    • Potent topical corticosteroids
    • Antihistamines for itch relief
    • Doctor evaluation needed

5. Localized Skin Infection (Bacterial/Fungal)

If the lesion is warm, pus-filled, or spreading.
  • Treatment:
    • Topical antibiotic (mupirocin) for bacterial infection
    • Topical antifungal (clotrimazole, miconazole) for fungal infection

What You Can Do Right Now (General First Aid)

  1. Keep the area clean - wash gently with mild soap and water.
  2. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to keep it moist and prevent cracking.
  3. Cover loosely with a bandage to protect from friction.
  4. Avoid picking or scratching the lesions - this worsens them.
  5. Avoid harsh chemicals and wear gloves when washing dishes.
  6. OTC hydrocortisone 1% cream can help if it's itchy and eczema-like (apply once or twice daily for up to 1 week).

When to See a Doctor Urgently

  • The lesion is getting larger, more painful, or spreading
  • There is pus, warmth, or fever (signs of infection)
  • The area becomes swollen or red streaks appear up the finger (could be cellulitis or lymphangitis)
  • It does not improve in 1-2 weeks with basic care
Please see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. The violaceous (purple-red) raised plaque appearance is particularly characteristic of lichen planus or psoriasis, both of which need proper prescription treatment for full resolution. A skin biopsy may be needed to distinguish between them.
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