Eczema and Brown Spots

Hi there,

I recently started experiencing what I think is eczema on the skin in between my thumb and index finger, The skin is reddish and is dry and cracked, it rarely hurts and it doesn't itch. I've had eczema before but usually on the back of my ear, never in this place. I started applying hydrocortisone cream on the area which helps temporarily but shorty after I did, the skin below this area began developing tiny brown spots under or on the skin (I can't tell). These spots (nor the eczema) are not itchy or painful. My boyfriend developed something similar (minus the brown spots) on his finger around the time I developed this. He went to the doctor who told him it was eczema and gave him a prescription for topical hydrocortisone which I have used (I'm a student and my insurance is pathetic). I've never heard of a sexually transmitted disease or contagious condition that manifests itself in this manner and I would think if this was ringworm or something along those lines his doctor would have diagnosed it. Any help you can provide I'd greatly appreciate.

Thank you for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds as though both of you have eczema, not a fungus and not something contagious.  Eczema commonly affects adults on the hands.  If both of you have it, that's a coincidence, but not such an unusual one, since eczema is so common.  You can knock eczema down with a prescription-strength hydrocortisone, but it comes back.  When it goes away, it often leaves brownish discoloration that is smooth and lasts for some time.  I think that's what you're describing.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Joan25]

A related discussion, Unexplained Facial Rash was started.

[A_perkins]

A related discussion, Blisters on palms was started.