Hand Rash and peeling

Every fall, since I can remember, my hands will develop little red bumps and little 'pimples'. This then leads into peeling and dry cracking hands. This only seems to happen at fall time, end of September, like clock work. It usually last most of the winter because of the dry air. I can understand the dryness, I just can't seem to figure why it is like an outbreak.

Any thoughts?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of pompholyx. The exact cause is not known and excessive sweating can be one of the reasons. But some triggers like allergic reaction to soaps, detergents, foods, latex, nickel etc may trigger the symptoms. Apply some calamine lotion on the affected area and keep the area well moisturized. Use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition.

Topical steroids can be applied but they are available under prescription. Moreover to prevent infection, topical antibiotics may be needed. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

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.

[Michael008]

at certain occasions my hand peel and dry to the point of it being uncomfortable,I can actually rub my hands together and see dry skin falling off is that excessive?but I will apply calamine to it when it comes.