What are these red/white bumps that never disappear

[skinbumps]

I started seeing a cluster of these tiny red bumps on my right hand in the beginning of summer in mid-June. I thought it was just heat rash or hives, which is something I get every summer. The pharmacist saw those clusters, and said it didn't look like hives because hives don't cluster in such tiny bumps. He suggested I see a doctor, and that I might need antibiotics. I didn't believe him, and just bought some cortizone to relieve the itching. It is now the end of August (3 months), and those clusters have never disappeared. In fact, the cluster grew and spread onto my left hand. The spreading is interesting. On my right hand, there are two separate clusters: the original cluster which is larger (3 cm in diameter) and a smaller cluster nearby (1 cm) that has been slowly widening, but not too much. On my left hand, the cluster is medium-sized (2 cm), but it appears to be fading. However, it is still there and has the potential of becoming red and itchy again. Yes, these clusters are of a circular shape.

I notice that when my hands are dry, the red bumps are less noticeable...they kind of fade out and is no longer itchy. I took this as a sign that it was getting better. Every now and then, however, those faded bumps reappear red, itchy, and oily again. Recently, the bumps reappeared red and itchy. Almost each red bump this time has a white tip. I'm not sure if it's spores, blisters, or just dried skin. But it is very itchy. I applied some hydrogen peroxide on it, thinking it might be bacteria or an infection, and I think it made it better. However, it might just be my imagination.

Allergies? I've never been allergic to anything. I really don't know.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is not clear whether these itchy round patches are due to ring worm, nummular dermatitis or granuloma annulare. From the description (dry, red, itchy), it seems like nummular dermatitis but exact confirmation has to be done first. Steroids prescribed in nummular dermatitis can worsen the symptoms if it is ringworm.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[maatson]

Mostly nummular(Coin shaped) dermatitis.Get a patch test to get at the allergen.