What is this on my finger?

[sphinxriddle64]

in this past year, i developed a recurring cluster of blisters on my middle finger. It began this past spring while I was pregnant. It started at the middle of my cuticle on the middle finger and as slowly crept it's way to the right side tip across to the left side and down to the first joint on the left side finger. This time they started off very itchy and tiny little blisters. They merged together to form .5cm large, painful, itchy blisters. At first, the blisters remained in their clusters, but this time there's a cluster on each part of the left side of the middle finger. Also, unlike before, the formation of the blisters was quicker than normal. Every time before the skin would be intensely itchy starting with no blisters. The blisters initially looked like deep-seated ant bites that were flush with the skin that eventually raised. I don't know if it bears any weight but the difference this time was that I put hydrocortizone on the itchy tiny blisters as soon as it started itching. I've read that this could be herpes whitlow. If it is, I need to know if it's contagious if the blisters haven't formed into sores as they have never become that before. Thank you so much for your help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dyshidrotic eczema. 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.

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.

[sphinxriddle64]

Thanks for your insight, but when compared to pictures of warts, the clusters don't look like it. The blisters look fluid-filled, but I don't dare pop them.

[BeeFree]

Sounds like warts. I had similar ones to you. They spread very easily and yes, can be contagious, but it's not hard to stop them in their tracks. Don't scratch them-- this breaks the skin and causes spreading. Aloe vera gel can be very helpful. Make sure it is pure. There are also plenty of wart-diminishing creams on the market so take a peek at your local pharmacy.