weird circles on my palms

[abakyss]

i went to the dermatoligst and he said i have eczama but theres pink round circles on my palms that look like ringworm and funny round spots on my fingers he said i had eczema and gave me dexamethason and fluocinonide cream0.05% can eczema look like ringworm and if it is will the steroids kill it or make it worse i have a hard time believing i dont have ringworm i dont know help

[Zainy50]

I have the same problem on my fingers and palm, I have feared a bit that it is Lyme disease, because I have heard that eczema doesn't happen to kids my age, 13, is having eczema at my age normal?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Yes nummular or discoid eczema can appear like ringworm.Both of them are itchy but a dermatologist can differentiate between the two by examination.If it is eczema then the steroid cream that your dermatologist has prescribed will be beneficial. 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 eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin.So also use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.