Unknown problem with palms/feet

[Wilser]

Dear Doctor, I am in need of some help.  My doctor and dermatologist first thought eczema, then 'contact dermatitis', now just shurg.  I have been prescribed some ointments, but nothing helps.

The skin on my palms and on the bottom of my feet will crack and peel off.  Sometimes it will move to the side of a finger.  It is severe, sometimes bleeding and painful.  I only use hypoallergenic products and that helps.  At night I put on vinyl gloves and that helps as well.  Sometimes my hands will clear up and other times they will get really bad.  My feet are now fine, but that could change any time.  I wonder if this might have anything to do with blood pressure or some other circulation issue?  My life is pretty sad now, as I cannot touch people (without freaking them out).  It is also very uncomfortable and is keeping me off the golf course.

My doctors seem to have given up.  Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be eczema or dermatitis.

Hi,

'Treatment typically consists of applying hydrocortisone-containing lotions to ease signs and symptoms.

If your skin cracks open, your doctor may prescribe wet dressings with mildly astringent properties to contract your skin, reduce secretions and prevent infection.

If itching is severe, your doctor may suggest you take antihistamines.

Light therapy, which involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light, also may help prevent recurrences.'

You could read more about the condition at the following link -

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dermatitis-eczema/DS00339

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[Victory101]

First of all just relax and you need to do a lot of research.
On this website look up fourms for 'Hand Skin Conditions'  and Google all the things Imention below in my message...I want you to know I'm feeling your pain also and would like to share what has helped me...I've had my hand condition for about 3 and a half years and don't know why it started...and just about a month ago got a name to the condition ("Exfoliative Keratolysis" or 'focal palmar peeling') and just 2 weeks ago I found over-the-counter, everyday creams and lotions that help calm the constant outbreaks.
My outbreaks are caused by over-use of my hands while doing things like gardening, hammering; gripping activities like weed pulling and even mowing the lawn and anything requiring water to touch my hands. If my hands dry out bad enough I get deep lesions that are very painful and slow to heal. This condition is NOT contagious and I have not had a 'freak-out' reaction from anyone.
Okay, the first cream that I've found to work for me is "AmLactin" Moisturizing Cream (active ingredient; Latic Acid) and you can find it at any retail grocery store or drug store...the next cream is "Eucerin" (active ingredient; Urea). Steroid base ointments only work temp. and once you stop using the hands get worse so stop using them!
I'm still researching what is the root cause of this condition and I'm blessed it is not on my feet!!! But I do NOT believe it is a circulation issue or blood pressure or thyroid. I think in my case it is a Zinc deficiency. Most people lose Collagen Density over time because of chemical overuse on the bare hands...or like us; no known reasons or causes. There have been studies (PubMed) where lactic acid helped to increase the epidermal and dermal firmness in hands and feet along with improvement of skin firmness and smoothness. Urea helps with retaining moisture among it's healing properties. Sure would have liked to have found these creams before now, but I have them now and they work miraculously for me. Keep the faith.

[lisad712]

I was surprised no one else had replied to this post, but I see that it's just been a couple of days.

Anyway, I feel your pain!!! I am well-acquainted with bleeding, cracking fingertips (couldn't eat the delicious ribs my sister had cooked last night unless I put on gloves!). And when I stand up from sitting down for a  while, or right after I wake up, my feet are so painful, it almost brings me to tears from the cracks and cuts on them.

I have been to my PCP, 2 dermatologists, and an allergist to get to the bottom of this, but the most I've gotten is anything from "housewife hands" (arrrghhhhh!!!!), to "buy some Neutrogena hand cream and use that." I have been prescribed the strongest contisone ointment available as well, but that didn't touch it.

I don't have a thyroid problem (I thought I might), but have been diagnosed with insulin resistance, and am on medication (Metformin) to treat it.

If I learn anything I'll post it, and please do the same if you get any new insight.

Best,
lisa