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What Causes Red Itchy Rash On The Hands And Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Question: 69, excellent health, 5'9", 192 lbs, fair-skinned, active life-style including sports.
I have experienced swollen lymph glands in both armpits and one over my left nipple after each of my last two dive trips (Dec 2013, Apr 2014). The swelling goes down after I stop diving. I also experience very red, raw, itchy, skin on the backs of my hands (nearly every dive trip). I suspect that there may be a connection between the hands and the swollen glands. I'm pretty sure that the problem with the hands is a combination of too much sun, salt water, nematocysts and other junk in the water. I try to put sunscreen on before and between dives but the best answer seems to be to wear gloves. I wear neoprene wet-suits but I don't seem to have any contact alergies to it that I can tell.
I have experienced swollen lymph glands in both armpits and one over my left nipple after each of my last two dive trips (Dec 2013, Apr 2014). The swelling goes down after I stop diving. I also experience very red, raw, itchy, skin on the backs of my hands (nearly every dive trip). I suspect that there may be a connection between the hands and the swollen glands. I'm pretty sure that the problem with the hands is a combination of too much sun, salt water, nematocysts and other junk in the water. I try to put sunscreen on before and between dives but the best answer seems to be to wear gloves. I wear neoprene wet-suits but I don't seem to have any contact alergies to it that I can tell.
Brief Answer:
Swollen glands and rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic,
As you pointed out there can be a definite connection between the red itchy sore rash on the hands and swollen lymph nodes. When you have inflammation or infection of hands axillary lymph nodes can enlarge as they are the draining nodes of hands. The rash could be sunburn or a contact dermatitis.
Yes it is better to wear gloves during dives and try to protect as much exposed areas as possible.
Hope this helped,
I will be happy to clarify further queries,
Take care.
Swollen glands and rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic,
As you pointed out there can be a definite connection between the red itchy sore rash on the hands and swollen lymph nodes. When you have inflammation or infection of hands axillary lymph nodes can enlarge as they are the draining nodes of hands. The rash could be sunburn or a contact dermatitis.
Yes it is better to wear gloves during dives and try to protect as much exposed areas as possible.
Hope this helped,
I will be happy to clarify further queries,
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the quick reply. I hope that my condition is as simple as what you have described.
I am also considering the use of some type of barrier cream for the backs of my hand and possibly my neck and exposed parts of my face. Some sunscreens claim to be water-proof but my experience would indicate that even these wear off quickly when diving for over an hour in warm salt water. As a chemist, I would think that an oil-based barrier like Vaseline might help isolate the hands from water but that wouldn't provide any protection against the sun.
I may try a combination of gloves, Vaseline during dives, and sunblock between dives and see if that prevents the condition.
What about the use of an antibiotic salve on the hands between dives? If the lymph nodes swell up again in spite of my precautions, would you suggest that I consider taking a broad spectrum antibiotic to combat an infection?
What would you suggest? Should I make an appointment with a doctor and if so, should I look for a dermatologist or someone with a different specialty?
I am also considering the use of some type of barrier cream for the backs of my hand and possibly my neck and exposed parts of my face. Some sunscreens claim to be water-proof but my experience would indicate that even these wear off quickly when diving for over an hour in warm salt water. As a chemist, I would think that an oil-based barrier like Vaseline might help isolate the hands from water but that wouldn't provide any protection against the sun.
I may try a combination of gloves, Vaseline during dives, and sunblock between dives and see if that prevents the condition.
What about the use of an antibiotic salve on the hands between dives? If the lymph nodes swell up again in spite of my precautions, would you suggest that I consider taking a broad spectrum antibiotic to combat an infection?
What would you suggest? Should I make an appointment with a doctor and if so, should I look for a dermatologist or someone with a different specialty?
Brief Answer:
Swollen glands and rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back,
Barrier cream is a good idea to prevent contact allergy, but such creams including vaseline petroleum jelly will increase the amount of sunlight exposure and chance of sunburn will be higher. You will be wondering how this happens? Barrier cream makes the skin smooth, there won't be any flaky or irregular skin to refract or reflect sunlight. This is the reason why we advice patients to apply vaseline or liquid paraffin before phototherapy to maximize the benefit of light.
Try to cover as much area as possible with gloves and suits. You may apply vaseline first before wearing gloves and suits so that there is a barrier between the material and skin. But over exposed areas apply a thick coating of very water resistant sunscreen with spf 35 and above which claims to give protection for 80 minutes. Even then it is advisable to reapply it after 60 minutes. This sunscreen will act as barrier cream as well. I won't advice any antibiotic on the hands before dive. If there is raw skin with infection, then antibiotic is indicated. If similar episode happens again then you need to consult dermatologist.
Hope this helped,
Take care.
Swollen glands and rash
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back,
Barrier cream is a good idea to prevent contact allergy, but such creams including vaseline petroleum jelly will increase the amount of sunlight exposure and chance of sunburn will be higher. You will be wondering how this happens? Barrier cream makes the skin smooth, there won't be any flaky or irregular skin to refract or reflect sunlight. This is the reason why we advice patients to apply vaseline or liquid paraffin before phototherapy to maximize the benefit of light.
Try to cover as much area as possible with gloves and suits. You may apply vaseline first before wearing gloves and suits so that there is a barrier between the material and skin. But over exposed areas apply a thick coating of very water resistant sunscreen with spf 35 and above which claims to give protection for 80 minutes. Even then it is advisable to reapply it after 60 minutes. This sunscreen will act as barrier cream as well. I won't advice any antibiotic on the hands before dive. If there is raw skin with infection, then antibiotic is indicated. If similar episode happens again then you need to consult dermatologist.
Hope this helped,
Take care.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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