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Blisters On Hands, Sweating Issues
I've had blisters form on my hands for about 5 years now. I have heavy sweating, especially of the armpits and hands. I've gone to the doctor, he merely looked at it and prescribed an antibiotic and said he *could* offer steroids but did not recommend it but I pushed him for it. The steroids cleared it up (oral) quickly but they are back. The last 2 outbreaks have been really bad. My hands just won't stop sweating. My hands form many blisters now, resulting in merged blisters, red patchy areas after it heals (scars) and during the blistering there's mild redness. They aren't particularly itchy except for before a breakout as if it's trying to blister and the itch is from it forming. They hurt and water really irritates them. I wash my hands alot, hot water is used often. I did take the antibiotic (still on them, trying to finish the 10 day script) but they are of no help at this point (day 4). I can't live on oral steroids but I sure love how well they worked! I have 2 cysts in my hairline, very small and not at all bothersome nor infected. I suppose it could be related to whatever is causing the sweating. They are several years old. I also get adult acne, especially along my jawline.
By the way, the blisters are deep seated and do not break easily. They are needle point size to start, then they cluster & become red and flattened. It just looks like little bubbles at first, but not later. Later, flatter and redder and wider (clusters merged). It does get a bit scaley as they heal and dry but no noticable peeling or crusting as I've seen online (example: Wiki) They start on the fingers, later to my palms, tops of hands, everywhere on hands in later stages & right now my hands are soaking wet! Literally..
My question is this, what possible disorders can cause a person to sweat so badly? Thyroid? Nervous system? Anything else, including viral? I can say that I have what looks like dead white blood cells in my throat (only as of recently) and a sore throat (more like it's just a little hot). The dr did *not* do a swab/culture, he merely shined a light and said it was only inflamed (though there WAS a yellowish spot there, it was below my tongue area so he didn't see it). (The spot is gone but I have a new one. I think I'm fighting an infection that may or may not be related. The throat issue is only recent, blisters for several years but only worse recently.) I feel that dr. was lacking in performance and am not happy with his services. I do not plan on going back to him. I do have anxiety issues, nervous issues (I call them anxiety attacks, which include lightheadedness when I'm scared or worried, shaking, sweating, etc). I get tense easy as well nowadays. I'm in my late 30's, female. I have been diagnosed with "some form of" arrythmia (spelling?) and when I was 8 I was diagnosed with Barlow's Syndrome, which I believe is now known as Mitral Valve Prolapse but I do not have alot of symptoms from that lately. My main issue is sweating, tension, stress and when I lie down to sleep, my heart races. I have a steady temp of about 99.8* (for months now atleast), my blood pressure is lower more often than not. My last reading was 105 over 67 with a pulse of 81 (at rest) but my heart rate is higher when I try to go to bed, causing me to have trouble sleeping. I have no insurance. I do get neck pain (strain?) often and headaches. My glands are swollen in my neck. My mom has been diagnosed with underactive thyroid as well as it stopping working all together. Diabetes runs in the family as well as heart disease. I often see "floaters" in my eyes.
My main concerns are what can cause so much sweating of the palms and armpits and what can I use to reduce the response to it? Certain powders or medications? I'm currently trying Hydrocortisone 1% but it's barely helps. I've tried body powder, helped a little *maybe* but my condition is worsening no matter what I do. The ONLY thing that I can say for sure that really, really helped was the steroids. I got desperate once and tried deodorant on my hands. It lessened the sweating but I can't tell you if it helped or not. It's seemingly a raging issue with no remorse.
I apologize if this is disorganised. I tried to piece it together accordingly but I'm really exhausted and time limited. I'm also trying to be thorough. My apologies in advance and thank you so much for any and all responses, especially if you are familiar with any of this in any way already. :) I hope I included enough information to help you help me get some ideas! I cannot afford to keep going to find out I have a rash of an unknown origin and pharyngitis (spelling?) of unknown causes.. A nice dose of information may be what I need to get me in the right direction before my next appointment (waiting for more information and/or more serious reprecussion from this before I go back. Whichever is first.). Apparently the doctors I'm finding need me to go to medical school to help them help me! I'm sooo tired and embarrassed of it all! Thank you for listening!
PS. I do wear cotton gloves at night. I can say they may be helping! They are the kind you find at Walmart for lotioning but I instead use them to keep the hydrocortisone out of my eyes and to absorb some of the sweat.
By the way, the blisters are deep seated and do not break easily. They are needle point size to start, then they cluster & become red and flattened. It just looks like little bubbles at first, but not later. Later, flatter and redder and wider (clusters merged). It does get a bit scaley as they heal and dry but no noticable peeling or crusting as I've seen online (example: Wiki) They start on the fingers, later to my palms, tops of hands, everywhere on hands in later stages & right now my hands are soaking wet! Literally..
My question is this, what possible disorders can cause a person to sweat so badly? Thyroid? Nervous system? Anything else, including viral? I can say that I have what looks like dead white blood cells in my throat (only as of recently) and a sore throat (more like it's just a little hot). The dr did *not* do a swab/culture, he merely shined a light and said it was only inflamed (though there WAS a yellowish spot there, it was below my tongue area so he didn't see it). (The spot is gone but I have a new one. I think I'm fighting an infection that may or may not be related. The throat issue is only recent, blisters for several years but only worse recently.) I feel that dr. was lacking in performance and am not happy with his services. I do not plan on going back to him. I do have anxiety issues, nervous issues (I call them anxiety attacks, which include lightheadedness when I'm scared or worried, shaking, sweating, etc). I get tense easy as well nowadays. I'm in my late 30's, female. I have been diagnosed with "some form of" arrythmia (spelling?) and when I was 8 I was diagnosed with Barlow's Syndrome, which I believe is now known as Mitral Valve Prolapse but I do not have alot of symptoms from that lately. My main issue is sweating, tension, stress and when I lie down to sleep, my heart races. I have a steady temp of about 99.8* (for months now atleast), my blood pressure is lower more often than not. My last reading was 105 over 67 with a pulse of 81 (at rest) but my heart rate is higher when I try to go to bed, causing me to have trouble sleeping. I have no insurance. I do get neck pain (strain?) often and headaches. My glands are swollen in my neck. My mom has been diagnosed with underactive thyroid as well as it stopping working all together. Diabetes runs in the family as well as heart disease. I often see "floaters" in my eyes.
My main concerns are what can cause so much sweating of the palms and armpits and what can I use to reduce the response to it? Certain powders or medications? I'm currently trying Hydrocortisone 1% but it's barely helps. I've tried body powder, helped a little *maybe* but my condition is worsening no matter what I do. The ONLY thing that I can say for sure that really, really helped was the steroids. I got desperate once and tried deodorant on my hands. It lessened the sweating but I can't tell you if it helped or not. It's seemingly a raging issue with no remorse.
I apologize if this is disorganised. I tried to piece it together accordingly but I'm really exhausted and time limited. I'm also trying to be thorough. My apologies in advance and thank you so much for any and all responses, especially if you are familiar with any of this in any way already. :) I hope I included enough information to help you help me get some ideas! I cannot afford to keep going to find out I have a rash of an unknown origin and pharyngitis (spelling?) of unknown causes.. A nice dose of information may be what I need to get me in the right direction before my next appointment (waiting for more information and/or more serious reprecussion from this before I go back. Whichever is first.). Apparently the doctors I'm finding need me to go to medical school to help them help me! I'm sooo tired and embarrassed of it all! Thank you for listening!
PS. I do wear cotton gloves at night. I can say they may be helping! They are the kind you find at Walmart for lotioning but I instead use them to keep the hydrocortisone out of my eyes and to absorb some of the sweat.
Best Answer
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Regarding pompholyx of hands, use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition.
If they prove unsuccessful, then Light treatment: UVA-1, PUVA, Grenz rays, Low Level Light Therapy using a Red + NIR (LED) combination can be used. For recalcitrant cases, corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressants may be used. In addition, you can apply aloe vera to the hands. It will help.
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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Thanks a lot for your kind words and God bless.
Regarding pompholyx of hands, use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition.
If they prove unsuccessful, then Light treatment: UVA-1, PUVA, Grenz rays, Low Level Light Therapy using a Red + NIR (LED) combination can be used. For recalcitrant cases, corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressants may be used. In addition, you can apply aloe vera to the hands. It will help.
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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Thanks a lot for your kind words and God bless.
To clarify the reason of not using anything. My appointment needs to be approached with symptoms if possible, even if I must suffer a bit longer. I do have the prescribed cream as well but am holding off on using that, as well as the oral steroids. Primarily for bad attacks since I do not have medical coverage and getting help when needed is difficult. After this appointment, if I have a bad breakout and am expected at an event or just can't stand it, I'll resort to prescription relief, otherwise as you have stated, for the milder attacks I prefer something milder to treat it. Just wanted to clarify since my wording is not the best, not my strong point.
I appreciate your response more than you may know! It means so much to receive a response from you! I was afraid it may be pompholyx, amongst other fears.. I suppose considering the other possibilities is common. I did not have this through childhood. My hands do dry out after an attack but, strangely it seems they are better off when dry. The sweating is my biggest issue. Everytime I have a day of sweat attacks of the hands, they get broken out. They are mostly healed but trying to break out yet again. I've been using nothing since it's mild and I have another appointment, this time with a dermatologist with the free clinic. I'll take these notes with me, along with the pictures I've taken since the hands aren't as bad as they can get right now.
They get pretty bad but not absolute severe as I've seen in some pictures. My hands have been covered in blisters but not so bad there's crust or anything. Just blisters that absorb back into the hands and then the hands dry out.
I mentioned the treatment you mentioned about the electric to the palms to the family physician and he said there's no such thing and for me to avoid the internet as it's dangerous. I disagree with him on several topics and am desperate for a solution. I am with you in the idea that there's likely something underlying that has begun to take ahold of me over the last few years, gradually getting worse. There's some chemicals or signals off inside me, I can feel so many changes happening. Being female, it's not limited to my hands. My armpits have sweat so bad that they dripped sweat. Very embarrassing. Something is off but I figure going to the dermatologist is a great start. I just have to work with the one day a month that I can get in. It's the 27th, the last Wednesday of the month. From there maybe they can refer me to someone who can do some lab work, I hope!
Yes, that has helped greatly! Thank you so much! So much! God bless you (and if you are not religious, please do not take offense to that, I mean no disrespect).
I'll surely try to update this thread as I learn anything new! Not only will it help others but it helps me to vent, to let it out and share it. Getting a response has really lightened my heart. My support group, medically speaking, is very small. Very few people I know have any information on any of this. Thank you again!
They get pretty bad but not absolute severe as I've seen in some pictures. My hands have been covered in blisters but not so bad there's crust or anything. Just blisters that absorb back into the hands and then the hands dry out.
I mentioned the treatment you mentioned about the electric to the palms to the family physician and he said there's no such thing and for me to avoid the internet as it's dangerous. I disagree with him on several topics and am desperate for a solution. I am with you in the idea that there's likely something underlying that has begun to take ahold of me over the last few years, gradually getting worse. There's some chemicals or signals off inside me, I can feel so many changes happening. Being female, it's not limited to my hands. My armpits have sweat so bad that they dripped sweat. Very embarrassing. Something is off but I figure going to the dermatologist is a great start. I just have to work with the one day a month that I can get in. It's the 27th, the last Wednesday of the month. From there maybe they can refer me to someone who can do some lab work, I hope!
Yes, that has helped greatly! Thank you so much! So much! God bless you (and if you are not religious, please do not take offense to that, I mean no disrespect).
I'll surely try to update this thread as I learn anything new! Not only will it help others but it helps me to vent, to let it out and share it. Getting a response has really lightened my heart. My support group, medically speaking, is very small. Very few people I know have any information on any of this. Thank you again!
I take it back, not waiting on lotion lol.. I saw my partner's hands and they were dry so I just had to lube his hands up.. haha.. But I can say, it is a really good lotion. (Eucerin) Even the pharmacist said it was good. I like to ask around. Glad I did. :)
Good news and bad news (maybe?)..
I went to a doctor finally.. Costed me $151 to see him and get vitals done. My temp was up, they figure it's normal (though it's been only a few years of high temps for me). It was 100.4 (my average). The staff were great! The doctor annoyed me! (Most of them do) He kept pushing his ideas and I debated, which he didn't like (maybe because he has a degree?) and said to trust him (how? I just met him!). He says same as hospital, pompholyx, which was my original thought. He said "let me show you some pictures" and showed me more advanced cases with peeling hands (mine don't really peel much, do get dry but I dry them out to try to rid myself of the blisters). He said not to, to hydrate it instead. (Initially I did try that but it didn't help). He said wearing gloves all day is better because the sweat will hydrate my skin! I said "What? Doesn't sweat dry out the skin?" Then I went on to mention we have salt in our sweat and how salt is a dehydrant. He argued I was wrong and that we sweat to hydrate our skin. I told him we sweat to cool off, not to hydrate. I totally disagree with him on that. Then in the book he read as fast as an auctioneer, stating the obvious, that sweat actually aggrevates the condition. I pointed it out and he rushed past it, ignoring my attempt.
I don't know about the answer he gave as to my condition being eczema but, honestly I do think it already so probably right.. While it clears up, it does dry out at the end of it's phase. I'm not as stupid as he thinks though. He spent more time trying to convince me rather than answer concerns and questions, like soaking solutions helping and any alternative treatment ideas. He said his will work and he sees it all the time. He didn't mention anything of an alternate to Dove soap but did say to use Dove, which I can see as a good idea and plan to try but wanted something NON soap, too.. An alternative. He prescribed me Triamcinolone but never told me it could change the color of my skin! The pharmacist told me when I called her to the side and asked her what I should expect. She was shocked the doc never went over any of that with me.
I told him I rub my eyes alot and asked if I could use gloves, he said not to wear gloves and don't rub my eyes. Now, how do I break that habit? I have cotton gloves I"ll be wearing, disregarding his no gloves rule. They are breathable and I can still rub a little bit, long as I don't have it layered on thickly under the gloves.. (then it won't seep through) because I can't break the habit, I've tried.
I'm so tired of poor bedside manners with doctors, never listening but always saying "listen to me, trust me" when you first meet them and have been to so many already you dont' know what to believe, nor what to trust! It's common sense trust is earned.. It's not a given.
So, the regime, which very well may be a good one, but I've not tried it and won't for a bit as my hands are doing their own healing routine on their own, is gonna wait a bit. Not gonna get white patches over healing wounds, makes no sense. I'll be reserving my oral steroids for serious outbreaks in the future. His regime will be delayed until I feel it's coming back enough to use something. They are red but flat right now and I have dry hands. I'm not messing with my hands right now, I want a break & relief & my body is giving that to me on it's own, why fix something that's healing? If his regime doesn't work, I'll be miserable and disappointed I didn't listen to my heart.
If interested, the regime is to wash with dove soap (though I also read that there are great alternatives to soap, like neutrogena, basis & cetaphil). He wants me to use a lotion called Eucerin (generic is alot cheaper at Walgreen's or CVS or I guess any drug store) and wear gloves with all soaps (though I didnt' stop using the dish soap due to not wanting the blisters to go away and saw it heal anyway, regardless of the dishsoap still being used). If he had his way, I'd be in gloves all day long, sweating like a pig).
What I'm considering (aside from his advice, something I found on the side) is not bathing in hot water (just warm) & light use of the eucerin (starting maybe tomorrow or the next day) & I'll be avoiding anyone with any skin conditions that are apparent due to dry, open breaks in skin at time due to the condition of eczema. I will use the regime he suggested in time but I will not stay in gloves that do not allow air, I don't think that is wise! I'll be using my cotton gloves when need be for use with the mouse at my pc, or driving, or things that involve my hands more than the vinyl gloves I found that are used with medical clinics (though I have tiny hands and they don't fit well, they do seem like good gloves for use with chemicals) and I'll be trying to (from now on) avoid harsh chemicals except I"m not sure how to avoid them in the shower! Gloves still? I'll have to think on that one.
I hope something here helped someone..
If I find the regime works or not, I'll try to come back and post on my progress and experiences..
Thanks for coping with my rant.... Dr's at times annoy me probably more than I annoy them.
I went to a doctor finally.. Costed me $151 to see him and get vitals done. My temp was up, they figure it's normal (though it's been only a few years of high temps for me). It was 100.4 (my average). The staff were great! The doctor annoyed me! (Most of them do) He kept pushing his ideas and I debated, which he didn't like (maybe because he has a degree?) and said to trust him (how? I just met him!). He says same as hospital, pompholyx, which was my original thought. He said "let me show you some pictures" and showed me more advanced cases with peeling hands (mine don't really peel much, do get dry but I dry them out to try to rid myself of the blisters). He said not to, to hydrate it instead. (Initially I did try that but it didn't help). He said wearing gloves all day is better because the sweat will hydrate my skin! I said "What? Doesn't sweat dry out the skin?" Then I went on to mention we have salt in our sweat and how salt is a dehydrant. He argued I was wrong and that we sweat to hydrate our skin. I told him we sweat to cool off, not to hydrate. I totally disagree with him on that. Then in the book he read as fast as an auctioneer, stating the obvious, that sweat actually aggrevates the condition. I pointed it out and he rushed past it, ignoring my attempt.
I don't know about the answer he gave as to my condition being eczema but, honestly I do think it already so probably right.. While it clears up, it does dry out at the end of it's phase. I'm not as stupid as he thinks though. He spent more time trying to convince me rather than answer concerns and questions, like soaking solutions helping and any alternative treatment ideas. He said his will work and he sees it all the time. He didn't mention anything of an alternate to Dove soap but did say to use Dove, which I can see as a good idea and plan to try but wanted something NON soap, too.. An alternative. He prescribed me Triamcinolone but never told me it could change the color of my skin! The pharmacist told me when I called her to the side and asked her what I should expect. She was shocked the doc never went over any of that with me.
I told him I rub my eyes alot and asked if I could use gloves, he said not to wear gloves and don't rub my eyes. Now, how do I break that habit? I have cotton gloves I"ll be wearing, disregarding his no gloves rule. They are breathable and I can still rub a little bit, long as I don't have it layered on thickly under the gloves.. (then it won't seep through) because I can't break the habit, I've tried.
I'm so tired of poor bedside manners with doctors, never listening but always saying "listen to me, trust me" when you first meet them and have been to so many already you dont' know what to believe, nor what to trust! It's common sense trust is earned.. It's not a given.
So, the regime, which very well may be a good one, but I've not tried it and won't for a bit as my hands are doing their own healing routine on their own, is gonna wait a bit. Not gonna get white patches over healing wounds, makes no sense. I'll be reserving my oral steroids for serious outbreaks in the future. His regime will be delayed until I feel it's coming back enough to use something. They are red but flat right now and I have dry hands. I'm not messing with my hands right now, I want a break & relief & my body is giving that to me on it's own, why fix something that's healing? If his regime doesn't work, I'll be miserable and disappointed I didn't listen to my heart.
If interested, the regime is to wash with dove soap (though I also read that there are great alternatives to soap, like neutrogena, basis & cetaphil). He wants me to use a lotion called Eucerin (generic is alot cheaper at Walgreen's or CVS or I guess any drug store) and wear gloves with all soaps (though I didnt' stop using the dish soap due to not wanting the blisters to go away and saw it heal anyway, regardless of the dishsoap still being used). If he had his way, I'd be in gloves all day long, sweating like a pig).
What I'm considering (aside from his advice, something I found on the side) is not bathing in hot water (just warm) & light use of the eucerin (starting maybe tomorrow or the next day) & I'll be avoiding anyone with any skin conditions that are apparent due to dry, open breaks in skin at time due to the condition of eczema. I will use the regime he suggested in time but I will not stay in gloves that do not allow air, I don't think that is wise! I'll be using my cotton gloves when need be for use with the mouse at my pc, or driving, or things that involve my hands more than the vinyl gloves I found that are used with medical clinics (though I have tiny hands and they don't fit well, they do seem like good gloves for use with chemicals) and I'll be trying to (from now on) avoid harsh chemicals except I"m not sure how to avoid them in the shower! Gloves still? I'll have to think on that one.
I hope something here helped someone..
If I find the regime works or not, I'll try to come back and post on my progress and experiences..
Thanks for coping with my rant.... Dr's at times annoy me probably more than I annoy them.
Still have them but they are trying to fade. Hope they don't! I borrowed some money from a loan company and have an appt tomorrow (today).. I'll try to update ya.
Monday, 11th of April, I went to a free clinic. They turned me away because they do not do dermatology but gave me a number (that I already had). This number was for Open Arms. My local Open Arms clinic has a number that, if you call it, rings on and on (though the website says leave a message). I then got so depressed and frustrated I decided to try another ER. They glanced @ my hands, no further tests, and said eczema. They also said the rash (new one) didn't look like an allergic response to Amoxicillin (though it was mild, I still say it was! I also had the female problems from it, remember?). He didn't really look at it much and it is mild and had begun fading. I now just have a little redness but it's gradually going away, it seems. I've never had that rash so, what else could it have been. I'd just stopped taking amoxicillin when it popped up. I'd gotten female tenderness, blood upon wiping (mild but very bright red as if it was from the opening, not from inside) and pain down there within, what?? a day of starting the antibiotic. I was having reactions. The std clinic I went to confirmed it was irritated badly and had prescribed monistat (think I mentioned that but, just in case).
I did talk the ER doc into prescribing another round of oral steroids though! I was thinking, heck, while I"m here, I might as well get an opportunity for relief! I've not started them because I'm still trying to get into the follow up doc that was referred by the er doc. I've had to do some other important things that have had me leaving town a few times. (Very important things, or I"d not gone yet).
I'll try to update you again.. Hopefully helping lurkers atleast. I do wish someone would come in though.. and communicate with me, atleast with their own experiences.
For those who have them like mine but have red dots, too. I get those when my bumps get irritated.. ;) Just so ya know.
I'll try to get an updated pic soon.
Glands still swollen in neck but may be seperate issue? Headaches, neckache.. Hmm, still sounds like mono but I have no clue on the mono life span for breakouts. Someone in my family recently informed me they are a carrier of mono.. Distant family so I rarely see them but another relative I am close to does see them alot. They're not my direct relation..
I'm eating yogurt! I've never had that before because I always knew it was bacteria. lol I know.. It's all in my head. But still, eating bacteria messes with my head! But, on day one I liked the taste, it just looks like mucous! Ewwww.. So I close my eyes. I'm trying to do the right thing.. Figured if my throat is hot and had female issues, I should atleast try!
It's not so bad after I eat it for a while.. Still don't like looking at it.
Thanks for listening.
I did talk the ER doc into prescribing another round of oral steroids though! I was thinking, heck, while I"m here, I might as well get an opportunity for relief! I've not started them because I'm still trying to get into the follow up doc that was referred by the er doc. I've had to do some other important things that have had me leaving town a few times. (Very important things, or I"d not gone yet).
I'll try to update you again.. Hopefully helping lurkers atleast. I do wish someone would come in though.. and communicate with me, atleast with their own experiences.
For those who have them like mine but have red dots, too. I get those when my bumps get irritated.. ;) Just so ya know.
I'll try to get an updated pic soon.
Glands still swollen in neck but may be seperate issue? Headaches, neckache.. Hmm, still sounds like mono but I have no clue on the mono life span for breakouts. Someone in my family recently informed me they are a carrier of mono.. Distant family so I rarely see them but another relative I am close to does see them alot. They're not my direct relation..
I'm eating yogurt! I've never had that before because I always knew it was bacteria. lol I know.. It's all in my head. But still, eating bacteria messes with my head! But, on day one I liked the taste, it just looks like mucous! Ewwww.. So I close my eyes. I'm trying to do the right thing.. Figured if my throat is hot and had female issues, I should atleast try!
It's not so bad after I eat it for a while.. Still don't like looking at it.
Thanks for listening.
Upon rethinking the latter, I don't think that it's herpes zoster.. It never crusts over. Though last night I caught myself picking @ one in my sleep (scratching it, more or less, though it doesn't itch). Most have disappeared though there's still a few large flattened ones and a few tiny pinpoint ones.
Also, it never seeps.. Just blends back into my hand, usually by starting in the center. I did notice a red spot but only on the one I keep accidentally scraping, like against my jeans pocket or the edge of things. They are reddish in color overall, but not always that red if it makes sense.
Also, it never seeps.. Just blends back into my hand, usually by starting in the center. I did notice a red spot but only on the one I keep accidentally scraping, like against my jeans pocket or the edge of things. They are reddish in color overall, but not always that red if it makes sense.
I forgot to mention, I am a smoker but I don't drink enough to count alcohol consumption (every few months I'll have one or two)
By the way, I've read Herpes Zoster (Shingles) CAN affect both sides of the body.. There's been a few tested (biopsy) and they had it on both sides of their body. They say that's a severe case.. I have had chicken pox so I guess it's possible. I have one bump on my arm but all the rest are on my hands (both, though one is almost always worse than the other) and these bumps/blisters ARE sensitive to heat..
I've also read that shingles can be contagious to those who have not be immunized, are immunosuppressant (spelling?) like someone with HIV or someone who has had an organ transplant.. or has never had chicken pox.. things like that. I wonder if the antibiotics, if it's shingles, would actually prolong my issue? Probably, aye? I know for a fact oral steroids work but don't really see much result with topical, unless they are just so stubborn that it takes alot longer.. The topical steroids thin your skin and become less effective after about a week so you gotta take breaks. It's also not a good idea to use them over large areas of skin (not that I've listened to that last one, desperation makes us do crazy things).
I've also read that shingles can be contagious to those who have not be immunized, are immunosuppressant (spelling?) like someone with HIV or someone who has had an organ transplant.. or has never had chicken pox.. things like that. I wonder if the antibiotics, if it's shingles, would actually prolong my issue? Probably, aye? I know for a fact oral steroids work but don't really see much result with topical, unless they are just so stubborn that it takes alot longer.. The topical steroids thin your skin and become less effective after about a week so you gotta take breaks. It's also not a good idea to use them over large areas of skin (not that I've listened to that last one, desperation makes us do crazy things).
One other thought, shingles (herpes zoster). Most pics don't look like it but some do. I don't know if the ones that do are uploaded under an assumption or not though. I went in today for STD checks.. One half came back negative, waiting on other half of the tests (have to call in a few days). I also got a list of clinics (free clinics) but usually when I try those, they are booked or not taking any new patients or the phone just rings and rings though the website might say to leave a message @ that number. Just not alot of good news but got a little bit of hope :D
The nurse said it does look viral but wasn't sure. The antibiotics began giving me a rash on my forehead (know it's not the same rash as my original since it looks so different, more like hives than anything and the area felt like a sunburn. I'm also having issues with my female region from the antibiotics (nurse said I checked negative for yeast infection but they told me to use monistat 2% 7 day anyway to relieve symptoms). The nurse also said it did look like a yeast infection (reddened and tender). The nurse had good bedside manners and explained everything! Loved that! That's how they all should be instead of treating us like our questions are dumb or that we overreact. Compassion is awesome! He gave me all the pamphlets he could find on yeast infections and complications of them. The female nurse recommended the monistat (but by the other name you usually see under the main name, Miconazole) in generic form for less than 5.00 US dollars. I'll be honest, I didnt' want to drive far so I just got monistat. I was tired and cramping from the tests.
She said it's the blue & white package @ walmart, 7 day treatment and said it runs $4.78 for the 7 day treatment @ 2% strength. Wow, if that's accurate, she knows her stuff!
I'll try to remember to come back here and report back. Hopefully this will atleast help a lurker as I don't see anyone commenting.. It's a bit depressing but atleast I have support in other areas of life.. If this was my sole support, that'd be severely disappointing and depressing. Not that I'm not down about it as it is, it'd be alot worse and I'd feel alot more alone!
Best to you lurkers (if there are any). I hope you feel better and find a cure/remedy!
The nurse said it does look viral but wasn't sure. The antibiotics began giving me a rash on my forehead (know it's not the same rash as my original since it looks so different, more like hives than anything and the area felt like a sunburn. I'm also having issues with my female region from the antibiotics (nurse said I checked negative for yeast infection but they told me to use monistat 2% 7 day anyway to relieve symptoms). The nurse also said it did look like a yeast infection (reddened and tender). The nurse had good bedside manners and explained everything! Loved that! That's how they all should be instead of treating us like our questions are dumb or that we overreact. Compassion is awesome! He gave me all the pamphlets he could find on yeast infections and complications of them. The female nurse recommended the monistat (but by the other name you usually see under the main name, Miconazole) in generic form for less than 5.00 US dollars. I'll be honest, I didnt' want to drive far so I just got monistat. I was tired and cramping from the tests.
She said it's the blue & white package @ walmart, 7 day treatment and said it runs $4.78 for the 7 day treatment @ 2% strength. Wow, if that's accurate, she knows her stuff!
I'll try to remember to come back here and report back. Hopefully this will atleast help a lurker as I don't see anyone commenting.. It's a bit depressing but atleast I have support in other areas of life.. If this was my sole support, that'd be severely disappointing and depressing. Not that I'm not down about it as it is, it'd be alot worse and I'd feel alot more alone!
Best to you lurkers (if there are any). I hope you feel better and find a cure/remedy!
But mine do not itch really. Not once they are formed anyhow. Maybe early on.. My skin does itch and get dry! But my hands sweat on the palms and do get dry (mild peeling at times at the creases)
Anyone think Pompholyx??? I googled that and went to images. I've heard it before but the advanced stages don't look like it but the other images do.. What do you think? Anyone reading this?
I've uploaded some pictures.. They should be pretty good. My offline versions are larger but I hope these are large enough to get a good idea. My outbreak is pretty bad right now. http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/list/103071?personal_page_id=255233
I also want to mention I have been in a relationship for 11 years and am only with him and he only with me. We are faithful to each other so there's been no outside sexual contact. I do rub my eyes alot and bite my nails (bad habits).
My hands tend to get orangish/red alot. I've noticed a finger go completely white during the last winter we had. It returned after I rubbed it alot. I'd never had that happen before. I may have accidentally drank after a friend in the past but never was sure (I think they thought my drink was theirs and I noticed it lower) but I really don't know.. Just a thought.. I'm trying to keep my hands dry as possible and that does seem to help. Topical steroid really doesn't seem to help. I wash my hands alot (think I said that already but just in case. ;) )
No thoughts? Anyone? Hope the pics help.. I'm worried! These antibiotics are hard on my body, have given me a yeast infection *sigh*.. That's also a new one for me. Could that have been what was in my throat after all this time? It's worse now but I'm not stopping the antibiotics unless I have to, I've learned that's a bad thing to stop. 3 days left of them. Please.. someone.. any ideas.... please.
I also want to mention I have been in a relationship for 11 years and am only with him and he only with me. We are faithful to each other so there's been no outside sexual contact. I do rub my eyes alot and bite my nails (bad habits).
My hands tend to get orangish/red alot. I've noticed a finger go completely white during the last winter we had. It returned after I rubbed it alot. I'd never had that happen before. I may have accidentally drank after a friend in the past but never was sure (I think they thought my drink was theirs and I noticed it lower) but I really don't know.. Just a thought.. I'm trying to keep my hands dry as possible and that does seem to help. Topical steroid really doesn't seem to help. I wash my hands alot (think I said that already but just in case. ;) )
No thoughts? Anyone? Hope the pics help.. I'm worried! These antibiotics are hard on my body, have given me a yeast infection *sigh*.. That's also a new one for me. Could that have been what was in my throat after all this time? It's worse now but I'm not stopping the antibiotics unless I have to, I've learned that's a bad thing to stop. 3 days left of them. Please.. someone.. any ideas.... please.
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From your symptoms it can be due to pompholyx. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. 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.
For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.
Regarding excessive sweating on hands, It may be primary (without known cause and usually starts during childhood or adolescence and persists all life) or secondary (as part of an underlying condition like Hyperthyroidism or similar endocrine diseases and dermatological conditions like eczema, psoriasis).
Treatment usually involves antiperspirants like aluminium chloride (20-25%) in 70-90% alcohol, Iontophoresis (applying low intensity electric to the palms and/or soles immersed in an electrolyte solution), botox treatment and surgery if none of the above methods are helpful. There are no specific drugs available for this.
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.