Is this an Allergy ??

[sohoman]

Hi

I'm a healthy 19 yr old male, I dont have any recorded allergies, however for the past year or so my Knuckles and areas around the knuckle on both hands have become red and itchy, this is the ONLY area of concern, my diet hasn't changed nor has my lifestyle, in fact I'm eating healthier and working out more, the only major change would be that i'm entering/entered stage 4 of puberty, this knuckle issue is becoming a concern as I am completely unaware of what it is, several MD's have told me that it might be eczema I had many ointments and creams prescribed but none have seemed to resolve the problem.

my knuckles are not itchy and red all the time, it occurs more so around winter but i am sure its not due to cold weather, i have considered that it might be stress ( as Stress causes Eczema) but then again i'm not stressed, the knuckles are dry, cracking and are very itchy,

if anyone has any ideas PLEASE post !!!

thanks to all and Merry Xmas

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or folliculitis.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

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

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Regards.

[Encephalomalcia]

Eczema can come and go and that might be what this is.  Try AD ointment (which is for babies for diaper rash but people use it for tatoos) at night and put some gloves on over the ointment.  See if that makes it any better.