Rash

[GaryHill]

Hello, I have two different symtoms that may be related or may be seperate.

1. For years I've noticed I get clusters of bumps on my fingers and hand, usually along the top of the fingers at the nails, on the inside of the fingers and along the side of the thumb. They are tiny and seem to be located just under the skin, gathering in clusters that resemble 'mini-blisters'. They are skin coloured and very hard to notice unless I look at my hands closely. They seem to come and go, currently I don't have them but I did a few weeks ago when they were quite severe, I'm guessing it is an allergy to something that sometimes I have handled.

2. Two weeks ago I noticed I had a few red spots on my left arm just above the elbow on the outside. I wasn't too bothered but I noticed over the next few days they increased, some were red but most were skin coloured lumps. They have increased in number and a week after them appearing on my left elbow they have appeared on my right elbow too. Now there are many skin coloured lumps clustered all over this area, with a lot red and itchy and sore as a result of me scratching them. I noticed that the area was weeping and crusting over with a yellow residue last week but this no longer happens. I'm beginning to get concerned as it has become quite severe and itchy and noticed a few bumps spreading along my left fore arm.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One of the possibilities for your symptoms is pompholyx. Pompholyx is also called dyshidrotic eczema. It is characterized by a sudden onset of many deep-seated pruritic, clear vesicles which itch and then peel off. As a result the skin may also fissure. It may get aggravated by stress.

The exact cause is not known and excessive sweating can be one of the reasons. But some triggers like allergic reaction to soaps, detergents, foods, latex, nickel etc may trigger the symptoms. Apply some calamine lotion on the affected area and keep the area well moisturized. Use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition.

Topical steroids can be applied but they are available under prescription. Moreover to prevent infection, topical antibiotics may be needed. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated. 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[GaryHill]

I cannot see an 'edit' button so I'll just add this as a second post.

I forgot to mention that I have allergies to cat and horse hair, although i havn't come in direct contact with either recently at all.

I am also sitting exams which makes me very anxious, last year I suffered from irritable-bowel as a result of anxiety. Maybe anxiety is also a possible cause?