tiny blisters... worried medical student...

[Ann_88]

I'm a 3rd year medical student. I have tiny clear subcutaneous vesicles all over my forearm and leg. They have clear fluid and can be broken easily by pressing and scratching. They are not itchy nor red nor painful. Totally symptomless. Just multiple vesicles of 1 week duration. No fever, no cough, no rash at any other area. I did not wear anything that covers those area (ruling out allergy due to contact perhaps). I've went through dermatology posting last semester and have not came across such case. I'm wondering what is this. Please help. Thanks.


worried medical student

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of pompholyx or 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). 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.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[JDog19]

Hi, my friend had this exact thing.
It lasted so long he started to bleed in surtain areas.
He went to the doctor, and he froze them off,
and they never came back.
hope i could help!