My Skin bubbles on the palm of my hands after using water for a short while

Hi all, I got a quick question. What is causing my skin to slightly peel and 'bubble'.

This started happening about a week or so ago. When I use water for a while the palms of my hands develop a bubbling sensation and peel a little. Similar to when you take a long long bath. This goes away after about and hour or so. After about 15 minutes you can already see it getting better.

Now the only changes to my lifestyle have been that I am washing my hands with Dettol a lot more often because of my wife's pet rabbit. It needs a bit of care and each time I pick it up/feed it etc, I wash my hands with Dettol handwash. This may happen between 5-10 times an evening.

I know its no allergy toward the rabbit because we have had the rabbit for over a year. The only change is that I am washing my hands more and more.

[anonymousmoose]

I just showered and used now soap or handwash, my palms still came up the same as I posted. BTW; I'm a 30 year old male.

[anonymousmoose]

sorry, in the above post it was meant to say NO soap not 'now'

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms, it looks like contact dermatitis to the hand wash. Avoid using any lotions and creams over the face for the meantime. Wash your hands with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat them dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort. Also take some oral antihistaminic like Benadryl to relieve itching.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[anonymousmoose]

Thank you Dr Kaur. I have made an appointment with my GP tomorrow. If he cannot give me treatment, he can refer me to a dermatologist.

I have not used the hand lotion for 24 hours now but the symptoms are still there when using water. After about 1 hour my right palm is back to normal but my left one still shows mild signs of the problem. Then when I wash again it comes out again. I've been using my wifes moisturising lotion today and the symptoms go away quicker.

Thank you kindly for taking the time out in getting back to me. I will keep you informed Dr Kaur.

Happy new year

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

All the best and a Happy new year. Regard.

[anonymousmoose]

Dear Dr Kaur,

I visited my GP yesterday and the doctor proscribed some cream. He asked me hold off seeing a dermatologist for now. He is not an dermatology expert. Do you know what could have caused my condition? I usually dont feel any itching but today I had a bit of itching on the fingers.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the earlier symptoms and now itching, the diagnosis of contact dermatitis is more likely. You can use the cream that your doctor has prescribed. In addition, minimize contact with harsh sopas and instead use Cetaphil soap free wash. Also take some oral antihistaminics like Benadryl ( may cause drowsiness) or Zyrtec after informing your doctor. This will help in relieving the itch. Application of calamine lotion also helps in relieving the itch.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[anonymousmoose]

I just wanted to say my hands are all better now. Two days ago when my hands were wet after washing, the top layer skin was kind of loose. So I rubbed it and a lot of it came off. No pain, no discomfort no blood or anything like that. Since then, the problem has not come back. Maybe I was shedding some dead skin that was more noticeable when wet (until it dried). I was also using the cream my GP suggested. Had showers today and yesterday and no more skin problem. Hands look normal.