small bumps on finger not sure what it is

[89100]

I'm not sure what this is related to but I at times get little small bumps on my index finger and sometimes it spreads to parts of my hand and index finger.  I'm not sure if its herpetic whitlow or some form of herpes or just maybe a skin rash or wart.  I have been having this issue for about 12-18 months now but it occurs when I rub my finger against a ruff surface.  I thought it could be herpetic whitlow because my cubicles sometimes break, and thats where I question if I contracted herpes but I have never had any symptoms of this virus anywhere on my body.  I have never had bumps, itching, or irritation on my genitals or anus and I have had one cold sore but that was when I was a kid and I was not sexually active at that time.  The bumps appear as multiple small bumps and you only see them if you look closely at my finger, they do not rise high enough for herpes but they appear for a week or less and go away, if I don't rub my finger against anything they disappear faster.  If anyone have any suggestions I would really appreciate it.  Thank you

[89100]

the bumps are not clear or have fluid within the bumps and they remain the same skin color and I their not vesicles.  I will try the topical corticosteroids and see what happens, if it persist then I will see a doctor.  Thank you so much for your medical advice it.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Clear bumps on the finger may be herpetic whitlow or a case of dishydrosis. Common warts and molluscum may be readily distinguished from these two as they are skin colored and they are fleshy. Dishydrosis and herpetic whitlow present as vesicles. That is, they contain clear fluid. Dishydrosis may not readily excoriate but they can be itchy and the itch scratch cycle may lead to dishydrotic eczema. This is persistent and may even be recurrent. You may need to apply topical corticosteroids for this. Herpetic whitlow present with clusters of vesicles on a red base. They may tingle and burn. It is best to have this assessed by a dermatologist as management for these two conditions differ.