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What Causes Rash On Hand And Fingers That Is Spreading?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014

Question: I have a severe rash on my hand, fingers and between my fingers that appear to be growing. The area is discolored but looks like its contagious, because it has affected three of my fingers on my right hand. What started out as a small pencil eraser spot, have now taken over my entire hand and I find that I have limited use of the hand. Help me please! I don't want to lose the use of my right hand

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more details

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same .
I have seen the attached picture .
I would like to know certain more details from you before we discuss the probable diagnosis .
Please tell since when do you have this skin problem?
Any associated itching pain or discomfort?
What all are you applying over the area?
Any skin lesions over rest of the body?
Is the affected area having normal sensation like responding to pain touch and temperature?
Are you applying any oil over it?

I am sure I will be able to help you more once you provide me the above details .

Waiting for your response

Dr Geetika Paul

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (31 hours later)

The skin problem has existed for approximately 2 1/2 years. I've been to three doctors. A primary physician, a dermatologist and a skin doctor. I've used Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream USP, Beta Ointment & Smoothing Body Ointment, other creams & pills[which I can't remember the names at the moment] none of which has worked. I currently have tried using a home remedy of pure honey, mustard & flour as a paste and apply each night to my fingers and hand. I also use gloves when water is involved. I noticed that the swelling is going down and the ruptured area is trying to dry out, but I'm seeking a permanent solution to my problem. The hand is currently very stiff and painful. It is itching like crazy. There are no more lesions over the remainder of my body. I can barely feel my hand when I'm touching the area. I'm not sure, but I believe the original spot was formed as a result of taking care of my son's dog [Pomeranian] and I was cleaning and mopping up behind him for over a year, before I told my son that my hand is affected because of the dog and he needs to remove the dog from my home. I pray that I have provided you enough information to advise me of my next course of action. Again, I Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX for any medical assistance that you can provide to me.

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Eczematous fungal infection, long term treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

You seem to have developed a chronic skin infection since it has been persisting since quite long now.
Although you have tried various medicines earlier but having a closer look at the lesion and owing to the intense itching that you have over the area, my first diagnosis is that of an eczematised fungal infection.
I would advise you to the canestan cream in combination with cortisone or beta cream over it twice a day for atleast three weeks in continuation. Sometimes inadequate and improper treatment can lead to long term lingering of a skin problem.
The lesion should get better with treatment but if you do not notice improvement even with the above therapy, then I would suggest you to get a skin biopsy done from a dermatologist .
Although it seems to be a fungal infection but we should go ahead and evalutate it further if it does not respond. Since you have history of contact with a pet , it might just be necessary to rule out other things if the drugs do not help.

Dr Geetika Paul

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar