I believe I have this same problem (White, Male, 29).
Situation:
-affects hands only, ~70% of the time only the right hand, usually finger tips or palm/thumb area, top of hands are unaffected.
-small colourless bubbles, sometimes various degrees of itching.
-several days after the bubbles are noticed the skin begins to peel, and proceeds to peel outward for an unknown length of time.
-with the outer skin gone, the skin becomes red, easily irritated or damaged, sometimes painful for this reason.
-non-continuous duration, approximately 8 years, first appearance half way through residence at a university, January-April (winter season in this location, generally cold)
It has never been annoying enough to see a doctor, though my hand would have to be actually bleeding before I'd consider that.. :/
could it be dyshidrotic eczema?
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/dermatology/messages/33916.html
I suspect I've had minor cases of this on my feet, I just never noticed because it wasn't painful...
Extra Information/Causes:
-roomate had 'Mono' before first appearance.
-no sexual contact of any kind before first appearance.
-Vaseline Dry Skin Lotion helps skin from becoming painful, use in combination with bandaids is helpful as soon as the bubbles appear, until skin returns to normal.
-bad eating habits/insufficient nutrients feeding the problem?
-scratching definitely makes it much worse.. put tape, glue anything on it to stop yourself from scratching it LOL
-excess use of soap as a cause?
-excess use of computer keyboard & mouse as a cause? (note I use my right hand on the mouse)
Recent event, applying lotion and a bandaid upon discovery of bubbles on fingertip area leads to hardening of the bubbled skin and slight discolouration.. yellowish appearance.. followed by peeling of the affected area.. I don't think it's going to spread in this case.. which is unusual..
I wanted to post as much information here int he hopes of finding a trend.. :)