Itchy Palms/Feet

I have recently developed little itchy bumps only on the palms of both hands and the bottom of both feet in the arch area.  I can see them under the skin and when I scratch them they pop open and have water inside.  If I scratch an area more will surface.  I've never had this before.  Can it be an allergy to something?  Stress?  My Dr. gave me a steroid cream to use at night with gloves and it's not working.  I've been on Diflucan and Methylpredisolone and as soon as I'm off the meds it comes back.  Have any suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like dyshidrotic eczema. Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of 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 please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

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.

[sb2010]

Updating you on my dyshidrotic eczema on my hands and bottom of my feet.  I was using the steroid cream my dr gave me and following your advice about washing my hands and using a good lotion.  Nothing was working and I felt like actually getting worse.  I had some Zyrtec and started taking one a day for a week and it's basically working!!  Very few itchy areas pop up once a day or less!  Thanks for the advice!!