Sores on hand and arm that bleed and will not heal

Hi everyone,

About a month ago I had an allergic reaction to a skin moisturizer (fragrant lotion from Bath and Body Works) and my hands became really itchy. I have dyshidrotic eczema on my palms, but this time I ended up developing mosquito-bite like sores on the top of my left hand, more concentrated near the knuckles of my pointer finger and thumb. I discontinued use of the lotion and instead used Eucerin and Triamcinolone, the usual fallbacks for the eczema. However, the sores are not fully healing and they bleed easily, and the scabs are very flaky and fall off easily. A couple spots that have healed just look flat and waxy.

The same thing has also started to happen on my upper left arm. At first it looked like a mosquito bite and was very itchy, it eventually scabbed over. When I was on my way to work the other day, I simply scratched it once and when I pulled my hand back blood was everywhere. It has also been oozing a clear liquid and there is no pain.

Does anyone know what this is and how I can treat it? I will not be able to see my derm for about 3 more weeks. Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks more like scabies and less like contact dermatitis. Scabies is an infestation by the itch mite. Scabies produces small red bumps and blisters and affects specific areas of the body. Scabies may involve the webs between the fingers, the wrists or other folds of body.

I feel that you should get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Diagnosis of scabies is made by scraping the skin and viewing the material under a microscope to see the characteristic mite or eggs.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.