Random rash on my hand

[wrestler07]

I'm totally baffled at what this might be on my hand.  Every once in a while, 2-4 times a week, I get a rash at random on my right hand between my thumb and index finger.  Sometimes it extends over the top of my hand, sometimes it does not.  Sometimes it itches, sometimes it does not.  I used to be allergic to everything but I'm not anymore.  In past experiences with allergic reactions, a shower and some cream would do the trick.  I've tried this approach to no avail.  The times when it breaks out are different too but usually it happens right before bed.  I've been to the doc's who had no idea as when I was there I wasn't broken out.  Even tonight in the time it took me to find this website, register, and write this, the rash had already gone.  Any ideas?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,I cannot confirm a diagnosis but the symptoms that you have described are suggestive of hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.

Take some over the counter oral antihistaminics like benadryl or Claritin,Sometimes they are required for prolonged periods.Since benadryl causes drowsiness so can be used at night to get urticaria control. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.Application of calamine and mild steroid cream like dermacort will also help in controlling itching.

If the symptoms become severe,then it can be a case of chronic urticaria which needs further evaluation as it may be due to auto antibodies.A dermatologist’s evaluation is mandatory.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for the symptoms and a proper clinical examination to rule out scabies or insect bites.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how she is doing.

Regards.