Rash on Hands

[spencer10]

I am a 51 year old male and have been to two dermatologists within the last year for a rash that appears on my hands only.  The rash started on the middle finger tips of both hands and then eventually spread to the palms of my hands, as well as the other fingers.  My fingertips eventually become so raw that tiny cracks and abrasions appeared.  I have been prescribed steroid cream, wraps at night, acid washes (which took the skin off both hands, but the rash came back) and many other lotions without success.  I notice that the rash gets worse when I use my hands for lifting things, gym work outs, yard work, etc.  I also notice that my hands never sweat, as if the pores are blocked.  I have tried changing my shampoo, deodorant, soap, etc., just in case it was an allergic reaction to something I was using.  Again, to no avail.  I am contemplating going to a third dermatologist.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Amy]

mr humphries,

just like the doctor and the two other respondents, i too agree that is sounds like you have some sort of eczema.
i've had it since i was born, (so i was told) and although i went to numerous allergists as a child, it never seemed to fully go away.  (though i was told to take oatmeal soaks,have special diets,  given shots,  and wrapped in plastic wrap at night with cortizone underneath to prevent more itching)

i went to a dermetoligist two years ago and my life changed.  he said two words to me: don't bathe.  water, it seems, robs your skin of it's own moisture. he didn't mean that i couldn't cleanse myself ever, but limit myself to a 2x weekly 5-minute quick shower with tempid water.   now, as a newlywed  and a gym-goer, i was horrified, but i followed this regime faithfully...cheating only to wash my hair over the sink if it really became unbearable.  my skin cleared up instantly.  i thought  hot water was a friend, but  it was a major foe!

now, it seems to me that it is even harder to follow this anti water policy if it pertains to your hands, but i think you should try your best.  wear gloves (either rubber or cotton depending on the situation) around the house.  put hand cream on atleast 2x a day, and always just after showering...with skin moist .(note cream  suggestion following) Be gentle on your skin whenever you can -  never rub them, pat with a towel to dry, always cover them.    be aware of temperature situations, what my doctor explained to me is that my skin is super sensitive, and when it gets irritated, it becomes even more so.  so be aware of temperature changes and weather exposure  and hot water and perfumes and rough handling.

after following these instuctions, just ignore them.  give them time to heal, don't pick, don't rub.  as a veteran of the itchies, i can practically guarentee it will work, and you will be better in no time.


best of luck,

amy


list of recommended products:
1. dove unscented sensitive skin soap...in liquid form
2. eucerin thick cream (the tub)  i've found that generic equivalents are fine.
3. elocon cortizone (prescription) but don't use on face...it is too strong
4. cetaphil non soap cleaser for face.  don't use water...just tissue on and off at night.

[olivia]

A couple of years ago I had bad rash on my hands also. Someone suggested trying Eucerin Cream, a thick over the counter moisturizer, and it started clearing up in a matter of days and eventually went away completely. I have also suffered with a facial rash that appears beneathe my nose and mouth for 20 years. I was always afraid to use Eucerin on my face because I have oily skin and was afraid I'd break out, but the rash has been really bad lately and I was desperate. Five days ago I started using it there and the itching and flaking is gone and the redness is fading, it's like a miracle. I've been to many derms and they always tell me the same, use cortisone cream, which didn't help much. I've also been prescribed a gel for Rosacea and have tried every expensive moisturizer out there. I can't describe the relief of not having a disfiguring rash on my face after all of these years. Eucerin comes in different forms, a lotion, an extra strength lotion, etc., but make sure to get the Original formula in a tub, and only apply a very thin layer. Good luck.

[C Pearson]

Dear Mr Humphies, i too am in my 50's and for the past 2yrs after being stung by a bee and having a reaction have had the similar symtoms you have on my hands now I'm getting red spots which look like brusies, been to 2 dermatologists prescribed special creams been to family doctors, prescribed Elocon which has been the best treatment but now the red brusies are back, Very discussed also have a rash on my face which in 50 years never had a face skin problem just thought you'd like to know.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Mr. Humphries:

What you describe sounds like eczema.  This condition is a genetic sensitivity, which in most cases is not caused by anything, and comes and goes as it pleases.  Treatmetn should certainly be able to help the symptoms, but cannot abolish the root cause, because in general there isn't any.

When you see your next dematologist, ask him or her whether eczema is the diagnosis, and whether allergy testing is likely to be productive.  If they answer in the negative, you may have to put up with symptomatic relief, though of course the condition may go into remission for the same inscrutable reason it came.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff