Any answers will be greatly appreciated

[ricky310]

I have been working for a buddy of mine for a month now washing dishes at his pizza place and the back of my hands, fingers, and wrists have developed a pretty nasty rash. At first I thought it was dry skin from the soapy water so I started using moisturizing lotion. It hasn't done anything to help it. My hands are also starting to swell a little bit. I don't know if its an allergic reaction to the soap or from the sanitizing tablets we put in the rinse sink. My father in law said its a fungus from the dirty water? Please give me your thoughts on what it is and ways to treat it.

[maatson]

Cumulative Insult Dermatitis.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be contact dermatitis to the soap. Tinea manuum or fungal infection of the hand can also cause itching and rash. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

If the symptoms persist then get an evaluation done from a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.