Subdural erruptions and skin peeling

I have a condition on the tip of my thumb, middle finger, and on the palm of my hand that is causing the skin to peel and an intense amount of pain.  It begins with small pimple like eruptions under the skin, if you puncture them the substance is a white/green.  If left alone, they erupt leaving a small brownish spot under the skin.  A few days later the skin begins to dry and flake off.  The skin left is very cracked and painful.  This has been going on for approximately 6 months.  A Dermatologist has looked at this and I have received 3 different diagnosis'.  First I was told that it was a yeast infection, then a fungus, and now I am told it is exczema (eczema).

Everything I have read does not seem to be the same as my symptoms.  I was given samples of Embeline E, but it doesn't seem to help.  

Any help?  Any suggestions?

Thank you

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Susan:

Hard to say, of course.  Questions:

1.  Has a culture ever been done for bacteria or fungus?  If not, I would suggest them.
2.  How long did you use Embeline for?  By "doesn't seem to help," do you mean that regualr twice-daily use for 7 days does nothing, or that the rash gets better and then comes back?  If the latter, eczema is indeed likely.

As near as I can guess from your description, I think eczema is more likely than infection.  If so, you may need to scale down your expectations, from cure to control.

I recommend another full and frank evaluation by and disucssion with your dermatologist, or another opinion.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff