blisters on fingers, hands, arms and stomache

[tiny567]

a couple days ago i started itching my arms really bad. then noticed i was getting small blisters on my hands, fingers and belly. they itch ALOT and sometimes hurt. i've tried to look it up to see what it could be and wasn't really sure. i figured it would be an allergic reaction to my laundry soap. but then wasn't to sure. there scattered in different pleaces on my hands and fingers. on a couple fingers they got under my rings so i had to take them off. if you could please help me to figure this out. thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms can be due to dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx. 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 or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema 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).But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist.Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. 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 on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.