Skin peeling on palms of hands

[af737]

Over the summer, I developed what the doctor described as a "rash" (he wouldn't be more specific) on my torso. Small patches of skin - from dime to half-dollar size - would turn red and begin to flake. I was proscribed fluocinonide 3x/day, and it was effective everywhere except the palms of my hands.

The process seems to be a bit different on them. First, a small section of skin will turn firm and red. Over the next few days, it will grow and open, with the skin on and around it peeling off. It usually stops and the skin eventually heals, but I'd like to get rid of it all the same. The condition has persisted, though I've moved from a subartic to a tropical region and have changed all soaps, detergents, etc. and am a very humid area. Anyone know what I can do?

[af737]

Thanks! I've been keeping my palms moisturized and it appears to be getting better.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Your symptoms are suggestive of pompholyx. 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.