Dry, Rash, Scabby Hands

[MorningStarlett]

My boyfriend has this rash type thing on his hand. It originally started out just a small dry/blotchy area on his palm and has now spread over his entire palm and onto 3 of his fingers. It is now rather red, blotchy, terribly itchy, painful, dry, blistery looking. It doesn't bleed or puss (that I know of) but he complains it hurts alot and sometimes the itching is unbearable. He has been to a doctor and they gave him some cream and told him it is caused by 'stress' and 'water' so try not to get it wet as much as possible. Sometimes it will look good and seem like it is going away but then a few days later it will come out again all blistery. Does anyone know what this is or what causes it as I don't think its got anything to do with 'stress' or 'water' but the doctor doesn't tell us it could be anything else!

[mutatinghands]

I have been having the exactly the same problem for nearly 2 years I have seen a specialist who gave me Diprosone, that did stuff all and he also asked me if I was feeling ok, another words was I stressed, no skin tests no nothing!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to dyshidrotic eczema.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.He can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. He 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.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your boyfriend is doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.