painful palms & fingers, flakey skin, pustils

[mgitchy]

i have no idea what i have....it started with small bumps, very itch, turns into blisters...somtimes yellow, then flaky skin.  very ichy, painful to touch or to use my hands only on the hands....it's been off and on for 3 months, but on for most of the time.  i've tried exima creme, serisis cream, nothing helps.  sometimes it red as it's raw

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of dyshidrotic eczema. Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of 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 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). 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 in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[mgitchy]

i am not using any chemicals on my hands, i'm using dove soap for my body...but does my shampoo effect it as well?