needs advise !!

Hi, i am 34 Male and about for the last year or so i have been getting Hives only on the top of my left arm and between my fingers and some times on the palms .. and everytime i get these hives about 2 days later i get these small puss bumps on my fingers and palms of my hands, and either if i pop them or just let them pop on there own all the skin around the puss bumps peels and really looks like hell and it takes about a month or so for my skin on my hands to completely heal up ,, i just put it together that it only happens after i get the hives !! and it is everytime to !! does anyone have any ideas what it is or has any one ever experianced this problem please let me know , and please tell me a way to fix this matter ,, Thank you !!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It can be due to pompholyx or dyshidrotic eczema. It is characterized by a sudden onset of many deep-seated pruritic, clear vesicles which itch and then peel off. As a result the skin may also fissure.

The exact cause is not known and excessive sweating can be one of the reasons. But some triggers like allergic reaction to soaps, detergents, foods, latex, nickel etc may trigger the symptoms. Apply some calamine lotion on the affected area and keep the area well moisturized. Use only thin applications of moisturizer ointments as excessive amounts of ointment may restrict breathing of the skin and aggravate the condition.

Topical steroids can be applied but they are available under prescription. Moreover to prevent infection, topical antibiotics may be needed. I suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.

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.