Dry hands

Since i can remember i 've had rare skin condition on my hands. It's more like very, very dry skin. Just picture having dry clue in your hand and pealing it off. That’s how it gets. It gets worse at times but im not able to figure out why. I've been to a couple of dermatologist and all i get is a 3 minute consultation and some lotion which does not do much. I had some tell me it’s eczema, but I’ve done research and eczema does not look like this. I also had one doctor take a sample to check for fungus, it was negative. i don’t know what to do anymore. It is very embarrassing shaking people’s hands because it is very noticeable, especially at work.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

I can understand your trouble. From the description of the condition, it seems to be eczematous, allergic or psoriatic rash or some infection.
Eczema includes a variety of persistent skin conditions which cause dryness, redness, skin swelling, itching or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear. It usually affects the face, chest and skin creases. In chronic cases, the skin of affected part becomes thickened and coarse, dark red or brown, sometimes accompanied with scales. There is also associated crusting, erosion and redness, especially when hands or feet are affected. Chronic eczema may last several weeks or years. The patients are generally in a state of constant mental agony.
Eczema diagnosis is generally based on the clinical appearance and a few tests like the patch test and blood levels of IgE antibodies and eosinophils. A specific test for eczema is called the Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST), which is also done in some cases.
Skin rashes are diagnosed clinically based on the history and appearance of the rash. You should consult a skin specialist for proper clinical examination, which is necessary to evaluate any skin condition. When topical corticosteroids do not provide relief, sometimes more the doctor may consider prescribing some more potent corticosteroids for some period, in adults with may be needed for adults with eczema on the scalp, limbs, and trunk or those with chronic/ lichenified eczema. Newer two topical eczema drugs like pimecrolimus (Elidel Cream) and tacrolimus (Protopic Ointment) are reserved only for cases where corticosteroids have not been effective.
Sometimes oral corticosteroids and immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and phototherapy are used for resistant cases. Your doctor may prescribe some sedative-antihistaminics to reduce itching. You may discuss about these treatment options with your doctor. Besides you should take certain measures like avoiding trigger agents, keep the skin hydrated by regularly using.
Do write in after your doctor’s consultation.
Take care