Suffering from itchy, puss-filled bumps all over hands and feet

[tonguethaid]

I have had eczema on and off since I was little but it was always the red itchy rash on the inside of my arms and legs. Now it has changed form and is on my hands as larger red dots that cause cracking of the skin and peeling as well as covering my feet in puss-filled itchy bumps. I went to the doctor for my hands and he gave me high powered topical cream and it was after using it for a couple days that the condition appeared on my feet. I cannot take any antihistamine or steroids orally because I am nursing and now have been using steroid cream for over 2 months. The condition will improve with the creams but still won't go away completely. Is there anything else I can try?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to 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 as they are comparatively safe in breast feeding but may cause drowsiness.
For mild-moderate symptoms 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). Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[tonguethaid]

Thank you for your suggestions. My feet are definitely improving and my hands had cleared up but the last couple days the eczema came back on the tips of my thumb and ring finger in full force. It is deeply cracked and has a throbbing, deep itching pain to it. It isn't responding to any sort of lotions or any other treatment, other than steroids which I'm afraid to use because I already used them for such a long time. My husband noted it looks like the grand canyon on my fingers.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Going by the severity of eczema, steroids are needed. Also keep your hands well moisturized. During the day, hydrate and protect hands from sun damage and sunspots with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. For a more intensive nighttime treatment, apply cream and then cover hands with gloves or socks.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep us posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.