Painful hand rash

[Kaybriant]

My 21 year old daughter developed a rash overnight on the back of both of her hands. The rash is painful as, it stings and burns, sometimes itchy. Soap, lotion AND water makes it sting worse. She hasn't changed anything in her home (cleaning supplies, etc.) and the cleaning staff at her job say they haven't changed anything. Here are two links to see what the rash looks like on each hand:

Left Hand- http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q244/kaybriant/Left.jpg

Right Hand- http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q244/kaybriant/Right.jpg

Can anyone help? She has a toddler and doesn't want to spread it to him, if it's contagious.

[Egordon306]

Sounds like dermatitis, my mom has it and it bothers her a lot. Put Vaseline on her hands and then put gloves over it. Almond oil works equally as well. If you're really concerned, she might want to go see a dermatologist.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be an allergic reaction or cellulitis hand. She should take some oral antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin and apply some calamine lotion on the rash. Application of mild steroid cream is also useful. But if the symptoms persist then please consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.