clear bubbles on lips and body that sometimes weep into a yellow crust

[dzondo87]

For 2 years now I've been breaking out with tiny fluid filled bubbles that are unbearably itchy. It starts out all the way around my lips. First I will notice a burning/ tingling sensation with some redness before the breakout occurs. Then the fluid filled bubbles appear. Sometimes I get a couple bubbles near my ankles and in between my fingers as well. When the condition advances, the bubbles might begin to weep eventually forming a yellow crust. When this happens it is too unbearable to be in public. A simple smile might cause my lips to open up and bleed or begin to weep again and the itching and burning is just too much. I can't use any kind of moisturizer because it only makes it worse. I have had at least 20 breakouts over the 2 years and living a normal life when it happens is not easy.
The strangest thing happens if i ever scratch at it or run hot water over it, it feels way too good, like unnaturally good. An overwhelming tingling feeling shoots through my whole body and it feels soooo good it's hard to stop. I think something strange is going on with my nerve endings. Today it is the worst I have ever had it. It is all over my face (nose, cheeks, forehead, ear), penis, scrotum, upper thighs, and my hand (all between my fingers). I have seen several doctors about my situation. One doctor said it was oral herpes so I was given valacyclovir (valtrex). This did nothing to prevent breakouts. The tiny blisters do not even look like cold sores. Next I was told that it is definitely impetigo. I was given an antibacterial cream and Keflex. This got rid of the problem moderately quick, which was nice.(Although, I did get a slight rash so no more cephalosporins). I thought we had it under control. But sure enough, the breakout returned on the very same day that i ran out of meds. I switched doctors and the new doctor is convinced it is herpes so she orders a blood test to confirm. Results show I'm positive for oral herpes antibodies, so she prescribes me a daily maintenance dose of valacyclovir 1g. It didn't take long for the next breakout to happen so now I'm off those drugs. Next she says it looks like impetigo and prescribes me more antibacterials. I had a dermatologist appointment the next day(today) so I decided to hold off on the antibacterials based on what my doctor suggested. Today I went in to see the dermatologist thinking I might finally get some answers as to why I have to live like this. I can hardly sleep, and when I do I wake up and catch myself scratching in my sleep, which only makes it spread. After taking my history and performing the exam, she prescribed me hydrocortisone and told me to come back in 2 months. Correct me if I'm wrong but it seems she has no clue what the problem is and just wanted to push me out the door. Now I'm back at square one. I really think it is stress related because I am a naturally anxious person. I've heard it could be poison ivy or contact dermatitis as well but I really don't think so. I killed all the poison ivy around my house and I generally don't touch people. I haven't been sexually active for a long time. Anyway, I can't do this anymore, I need help. Can anyone give me some insight as to what is going on?

[440_Oh_D]

Hi, do you have any updates? Please.

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello.  Do you have a similar problem you would like others to try to help with?  The best thing to do is to start your own thread on the forum as that way it is easily visible and we'll try to help!

[maatson]

Should rule out Dermatitis herpetiformis.