skin fungus on hand?

I found some tiny red spots on the inner side of my little finger, of my right hand, approximately 2 months ago. It was very itchy and I thought it was an insect bite. I am pregnant, and talked to my OB/GYN  and she thought it might be just a skin allergy, so I started applying a corticoid cream (over the counter). I used it for a week, and it felt  fine at the beginning but then it came back. It is really itchy and red, and it has expanded all over the inner side of the finger. It also looks cracked and the skin is peeling off. I also found a red, circular, itchy spot next to my thumb, on the same hand. I thought it was a fungus and asked my doctor again. She said lets try with Lamisil cream, which I used for 2 weeks, once a day...and nothing. It's still red and itchy. Is this something that could go away alone? Do I need to continue treatment with Lamisil? I can't take any medication as I am pregnant. I will see my doctor again in a few days and ask her, but just wanted to ask for opinions on this. Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be 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 oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl for the itching.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 please use these medicines only after consulting a dermatologist and discussing your pregnancy status  with him.

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 it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[mariacc]

thanks!