Small Blisters on Finger

Hello,

I apologize if this is long-winded, but I will be as thorough and accurate as I can with descriptions and dates in order to allow for the most accurate diagnosis. I returned from California on August 25th. At some point I had received a small cut on my right pinky during the trip. The day I came back I noticed a semi-large and full blister had developed on the location of the cut. (Scab was literally over blistered skin.) After popping it, the area was generally itchy and irritated, and after several days I noticed a good number of very small blisters filled with clear fluid surrounding the area where the blister had been. (Roughly Aug 30)

Over the course of the week of August 30th, the area was itchy and I ended up popping some of the blisters and more small blisters began to spread along the inside of my pinky. (The locus of the spreading did remain at the site of the original blister.) At some point during this week I also noticed these some small blisters on the inside of my ring finger, almost exactly across from where some blisters on my pinky had popped. At this point I realized it was spreading by contact with the pus from the broken blisters and went to a special effort to not pop them.

By labor day (Sept 6), the area was still generally itchy but the small blisters had mostly disappeared, but the area in which they had appeared still itched and appeared dry, red, and swollen. Over the course of the next week the itching and swelling subsided on that pinky and ring finger. I noticed other blisters possibly of the same type as previously described on some parts of other fingers which had no obvious epidermal exposure to the "infected" pinky, but these appeared alone as opposed to the large number which originally appeared and subsided without incident. By the 12th the originally infected area appeared to be almost fully healed aside from some peeling skin. Any remaining blisters which hadn't simply subsided had simply appeared to crust over.

On the 13th (time of posting), I noticed the area began to itch slightly again and seem to be able to see what could be a blister developing right at the site of the initial cut. (It is still very mild and may not even be fluid-filled. It may simply be the skin healing.) However, I also noticed several raised red bumps on the top of my thumb somewhat close to the nail.

I was told that this could possibly be herpetic whitlow. However, this is inconclusive given my knowledge of the subject. Some of the symptoms seem to fit. But, I have read that whitlow is associated with a strong pain sensation which has not been present. Also, the information I've been able to find online seems to suggest that whitlow is characterized by a single or very few lesions, as opposed to a somewhat large number of very small blisters.

I am unsure if its relevant, but during this trip to california I also contracted poison ivy for the first time. As far as I know I had never gotten poison ivy before. I spend a decent amount of time outdoors which means its unlikely that I have simply never encountered it, but it is a possibility. The symptoms did not appear to be related, primary exposure seemed to be to arms, lower legs, and chest. (Hand exposure would seem likely, but no other skin ailments have appeared on hands besides what has been described.) I did include it however in case there is medical relevance.

Given the long time frame at this point, and what appears to potentially be some sort of relapse, I decided to seek more professional advice. I very much appreciate the efforts of all who take the time to read this and especially any responses.

Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of pompholyx. Pompholyx primarily involves the hands and fingers and then may involve the feet. The first stage is acute and presents as itchy blisters on the hands, fingers and toes. Then the chronic stage shows more peeling, cracking, or crusting. Then the skin heals up, or the blistering may start again. The exact cause is not known and excessive sweating can be one of the reasons.

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.