red itchy bumps of arms

[Dan46]

I have small red blister type bumps that appear in small group on both lower arms.  When I itch the bumps, they bleed slightly and eventually scab over before disappearing in a few days.  I've tried hydrocortisone cream and other lotions but nothing works.   I know it's not scabies.

Any help?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms,it sounds like dyshidrotic 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 pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.
I hope that helps.Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jdesouza]

Hi,
My son has been getting exactly the same thing. The doctors are not sure what it is. I wonder if it is an allergy to bug bites. This is really driving us crazy. I'll upload a picture of it in a new post.
If you fiind anything please let me know.
Thanks