Painful , red , bumps on my hands,ears and feet

[Liss134]

I have been getting painful bumps. First on my Ears, then my hands and then my feet, some are larger, others smaller, initially it was thought that there were cysts on my ears but that was later ruled out by a physician. They are red in color ,they itch, sometimes burn, cause me pain and swelling as well as. Heat seems to increase the pain and swelling but oddly cold relieves the pain and swelling. My doctor prescribed an oral steroid which seemed to clear it up but then w/in a week of no longer taking the steroid the bumps returned. It doesn't appear to be eczema cause my wife has eczema and it looks nothing like her breakouts. If anyone can steer me in the right direction or if anyone knows what this can be please respond, I am feeling overwhelmed w/the pain, this has greatly impacted my quality of life because as an auto mechanic I can't afford to have my hands in such pain and swelled so badly....

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These can be due to follicuitis or boils. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. . Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle. Treatment includes antibiotics and incision and drainage and do not touch or pick them up.

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.

[Caryopteris]

Check pics of psoriasis.  There are several kinds and early psoriasis can have more sores and less of the white thickness.  

You might try Arnica gel as it is very cold and reduces inflammation.  Aloe vera 100% clear gel may help.  Also cooling.  If it's psoriasis, Psoriaflora salve is good.  Vaseline also helpful for psoriasis, but for your ears, the Psoriaflora would be less greasy.