Dry bumps on back of hands

[Darthraider]

for several years now i have been noticing an increase in small dry bumps on the back of my R hand they dont hurt they dont itch.  However they seem to be spreading to my other hand.  It started on the R hand they are located in the middle on the back of my hand and go towards the base of the thumb.  I now have 4 on my L hand 2 are at the base of the thumb by the wrist one on my 1st index finger and 1 by the wrist middle finger.  Could this be Eczema? Anything to worry about like skin cancer etc.?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like dyshidrotic eczema. 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 eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.Lichen nitidus also needs to be ruled out.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.