To analyze the relationship between finger temperature and corneal sensitivity. Methods used to measure corneal and finger temperatures. In this study, data from a highly selected group of 200 white individuals were collected over a period of two weeks. Only those individuals taking topical ointment or having corneal inflammatory symptoms were excluded from the analysis. The study found that the index finger was not sensitive to finger temperatures in comparison to the other fingers, but was more sensitive than the forefinger to finger temperatures.
Those individuals with eczema on the hands were the most sensitive to hot and warm temperatures. Finger temperatures were most sensitive on the forefinger. A number of factors, which can affect finger temperature, were controlled in the study. Number of episodes of cold and fever, use of topical medications to treat symptoms, overall health of the patient, history of allergies, use of medications to treat depression and anxiety, use of anesthetics, as well as a history of allergy to medications were all taken into consideration during this study. There were also some variables that were not controlled in this study. The index finger was used for measurement of finger temperatures because of the small size of the finger and therefore a reliable result was obtained.
Finger temperatures are measured by using a mercury thermometer. The finger tip is positioned over the middle of the finger and a cold air stream is passed over the fingertip. The result is an infrared digital reading. The index finger and other extremities are then tested on a regular basis to monitor changes in the response of these areas to environmental conditions.
