red dots/pain (rash?) on hands

[sleepraider]

This has happened before-- its actually been happening for over a decade. Its always seemed to come and go. Recently, it has stayed for over 2 weeks and I decided now was the tipping point, the time to learn what this is, and how to make it go away. It hurts and itche, and both the pain and the itch are mild, but constant.

I've taken 2 photos (today) and uploaded them.

[sleepraider]

Thank you so much for your answer.
It has gone away yet again, but I also was using moisturizer consistently and had very dry hands (due to the weather?) when it was bad. When it was bad, however, I tried everything from Curel to calamine, vascoline, to an anti-itch OTC gel I found, as well as the typical things such as benadryl and hydrocortisone. Though it is only my experience and I have no proof, I feel I should note virtually nothing seemed like it helped with this problem. Thank you for your answer though. Next time it is bad, I will email my pics posted above to my doctor as well as go in when I have a spare moment.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These symptoms can be due to contact dermatitis or pompholyx. The other name is dyshidrotic eczema. 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).But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.

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.

[sleepraider]

anyone?

[sleepraider]

oops, sorry apparently it didnt like my embedded pictures:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4404552749_63ff3d6739_m.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4404552747_8f8a1cdda2_b.jpg