Inflamed Palms

[jessechrist]

I have a question about allergic reactions to handling fish.  Recently, my hands have become inflamed and swollen, and I don't know why.  I think that it may be an allergic reaction to handling fish (fishing for catch and release).  In the last 24-48 hours (since fishing) my palms have become red, swollen, and sensitive.  This is not the first time this has occurred, and every time it does, the end result is all the skin on my palm peeling off.  

Any ideas why this happens???

[jessechrist]

I have not taken any medication for this in the past.   However, i did recently try taking an antihistamine (oral) and i experienced no relief.    

The only other thing that keeps me from determining contact with fish as the cause is that after the skin on my hands peels i do not experience the symptoms any longer.  I can handle fish with no consequences...

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

This sounds like an allergic contact dermatitis. If you have observed direct associations between exposure to the fish and the skin condition then it is likely that handling the fish may be the trigger. Other triggers should also be identified. You may apply 0.05% Fluocinonide cream over the affected areas. Also, if you have no other disease conditions, you may take oral antihistamines for this.

Does the skin condition revert spontaneously or do you take any medications for its resolution?