Reoccurring Rash

I have had a reoccurring outbreak around the ring and pinky fingers on both hands. It first appeared on my left hand around my ring finger. At first I thought it was housewives eczema, and removed my wedding band. I have had some success with Desoximetasone Ointment usp, 0.25%. After a few days the inflammation and irritation would come right back. The Desoximetasone would make it go away for a few days though. However, I do not have anymore of that ointment  At their worst, they look like tiny blisters that secrete clear sticky liquid when they are scratched. I have also tried regular cortisone cream which seems to make the itching worse and speeds up the inflammation in the effected area. Also, the cortisone cream seems like it only works and stops the itching after the tiny blisters are popped. What should I do?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of dyshidrotic 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 pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.