skin problem rash

[rmccusker]

I have in the past 2 months started to get a raised rash the skin appears red and dry on my face and on my hands. It is on my lower cheeks and on the back of my hands. It is raised and small bumps are gathered in areas. They are itchy and if I scratch at them too long the bumps break and there is clear liquid under them. It does not appear any where else on my body and it has not been spread to anyone else in my family. I work at a pain clinic and one of our ARNP's said it looks like an allergic reaction. I was told to try Zyrtec for two weeks. it seemed to lessen it a bit but it has not gone away. I have a new area on my hand starting. I have not changed laundry soaps or introduced new products so i am baffled as to what is causing this. Can you please advise?

[rmccusker]

Thank You for the advise I really appreciate it. It is hard when you do not hsve insurance. I will try what you have recommended.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms, it looks like pompholyx to me. 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.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[aannie12334]

it could simply be eczema. for some people like me, it comes and goes in little patches throughout my body.  usually when mine comes the size varies and is never smaller than the size of a nickle . my aunt gets it very frequent and comes in bigger patches on her face arms legs pretty much anywhere. my friend hers comes on patches on her hands. its a skin condition lots of people have. you can speak to you dr and see about getting a steroid cream. i use elocon cream and find it works best. there is also cortisone cream. just speak with your dr and see whant he or she suggests :) best of luck