Blisters under skin on left thumb.

[jberd]

Hi,
     To start, my mother has been plagued with eczema for as long as I can remember.  I have very minor symptoms in comparison and haven't really thought too much about it, at least up to this point.

     I intermitently get clear bumps under the skin of my left thumb.  They don't bother me physically in that they don't itch and don't hurt, but it does bother me that I can see these "blisters" under the skin.  I have a horrible habit of picking my hangnails and such and so ultimately I dig at these blisters unitl they break an then they seem to just spread, the skin dries, and cracks and it turns out to be a ugly and somewhat painful ordeal.

     I've done searches for similar experiences and ended up here.  Could this be dyhidrosis?  If so how can I treat it?  The fact that I pick/dig at my other fingers hangnails, are my other digits at risk for the same conditon?  Lastly, is this considered a severe case of eczema?

     The picture I've attached is after popping the majority or the blisters.  I tried my best but you can still see some unpopped blisters to the left of the big sore.  I promise I will let the skin heal and at the next outbreak I will take another picture.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

There are several causes of blisters.

'Blisters are usually caused by injury to the skin from heat or from friction, which create a tear between the epidermis—the upper layer of the skin—and the layers beneath.

Short periods of intense rubbing can cause a blister, but any rubbing of the skin at all can cause a blister if it is continued for long enough. Blisters form more easily on moist skin than on dry or soaked skin, and are more common in warm conditions.

Sometimes, the skin can blister when it comes into contact with a cosmetic, detergent, solvent or other chemical; this is known as contact dermatitis. Blisters can also develop as a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting.

There are also a number of medical conditions that cause blisters. The most common are chickenpox, herpes, impetigo, and a form of eczema called dyshidrosis. '

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blister

It would be best to consult a doctor if it does not resolve on its own in a few days.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.

[erinfl111]

I work in derm. Not an MD keep in mind! today at work I had a similar case. Eczema was questioned, as well as fungi. But the fact that in your case it doesnt itch turns me to question whether it maybe something different for you. I also had a pt today with a severe rash that started on his hands and blistered. I think for something like this you should most definitly see a Dermatologist. The ones I work with are pretty good at knowing whats what when they see it and are really good at treating. If the Dermatologist you choose to see questions they tend to take small bacteria cultures of the fluids from the open blister.Possibly give you an Rx of something like cleocin/differin or even keflex.  Good Luck.