puss filled blisters on hands

In 1994 I was having chronic severe bladder/kidney infections, Dec of that year one had progressed to the point of needing to be hospitalized for three weeks, during that stay I developed puss filled blisters on the palm and fingers of my hands and the bottom of my feet. i had 7 Dr's trying to find out what it was including an infectious disease specialist, my liver also came very close to shutting down. Since this time when I am ill, with the flu or anything more than a cold I will develop 3 to 6 of these extremely painful puss filled "blisters" on my fingers, usually the side of my thumb, they are whitish, yellow in color and are thick and hard, when I insert a needle, thick puss comes out. they last about two weeks and then leave a scar then they will return the next time I am sick. When I have blood work done my liver comes up with enzyme issues that at first my dr thinks could be hepatitis, when doing further specific test it comes back that I do not I just have either elevated or low I can't remember I think elevated liver enzymes. Still no answer for these painful blisters. I was hoping after all these years perhaps there would be new information available about these

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Three possibilities are there for this kind of lump. First possibility is of herpetic whitlow.It is a painful viral infection occurring on the fingers or around the fingernails. Herpetic whitlow is caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Second possibility is of myxoid cyst.It is a growth usually occurring on the finger. These cysts are believed to form from deteriorated tissues.

Thirdly(though less likely),it can be a sebaceous cyst.It is a closed sac that is filledwith a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis.It is usually painless but can become painful if infected.

I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and discuss these possibilities with him.Unfortunately I cannot confirm anything without examination.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.

[TEXASRAVEN]

Thank you for your insights and advice. The infectious disease specialist tested for every kind of the herpes virus. The site feels sore for about a day and then the blister turns up usually one or two in the same location and is very painful, then goes away after about 4 days and leaves a tiny scar, they are about the size of a pencil eraser and never uniform in size. My problem going to a dermatologist is that I have nothing and then it shows up and I haven't been able to get in quickly enough for them to see the actual blister. I will keep trying though - thank you so very much for your help, time and caring.

[JBOTTONS]

Did you ever find out hat was causing the blisters on your hands and feet??