Little bump (Like braille) comes and goes on my finger

[klicous]

From time to time I get these little bumps on my pointer finger and sometimes on my thumb.  They appear on the outside of my finger around the joint area where the finger bends.  They slightly itch when first arriving and are tiny bumps like resembling Braille. Is this Warts?  How can this be treated and is there good medication for this?  I included a picture.  Thanks to anyone with any help and advice.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The exact cause of pompholyx is enigmatic and sweating can be one of the causes but exact cause is not known. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.
If they prove unsuccessful, then Light treatment: UVA-1, PUVA, Grenz rays, Low Level Light Therapy using a Red + NIR (LED) combination can be used.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[klicous]

Could it be due to stress?  I notice the bumps seem to appear when I am under stress and then seem to be more moderate or hardly noticeable when the stress is gone?  They come and go from time to time but always in the same two spots.

Thanks for your help and advice.  I will be sure to ask my dermatologist during my next visit.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

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.

[klicous]

I've been doing some research and maybe it is pompholyx?  Anyone with any advice?