Whats wrong with my hands? Skin condition question...

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2646 posts

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# 1416524 29-Oct-2015 22:17

Behodar: I've had something similar in winter. "Miconazole" cream worked in my case.

Did you get it on your hands only?

freitasm

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Geekzone

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# 1416528 29-Oct-2015 22:23

If it was House he would say "auto immune". But in real life you should go see a doctor.

khull

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# 1416533 29-Oct-2015 22:32

Not a doctor, but grew up with an entire generation of doctor/nurses/medical background (parents/aunts/uncles). Seeing you similar lesions on the same area on both hands it could be triggered by auto immune and nervous system related.

It is a lot more than a 'local' infection (otherwise it would just appear on one hand) and you should see the GP before it becomes scarred. Also consider if it is itchy vs painful and if the area is weeping as that could come with different diagnosis. Doctors will most likely prescribe you with a steroid topical cream which will calm it down.

Don't ignore this.

Fred99

8905 posts

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# 1416542 29-Oct-2015 22:58

I wouldn't be freaking out too much. Looks and sounds like common "hand" dermatitis / eczema. I'm surprised the pharmacist didn't offer 0.5 or 1% cortisone cream. You must only use these short-term, or occasionally as needed (if it flares up) unless prescribed otherwise by a Dr.
As alasta said above, avoid soap, use hand-wash (pH neutral - and non "medicated/anti-bacterial") instead, and be sure to rinse off thoroughly and dry (without rubbing the crap out of the affected areas)
If you're working in wet environment, apply barrier cream before you get your hands wet.
If it's not starting to get better after a few days - for sure, see a Dr.

MadEngineer

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# 1416549 29-Oct-2015 23:32

What's your day job? Are you constantly in contact with something?

Goosey

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# 1416581 30-Oct-2015 07:21

Had this once, was a combo of stress and the fact that I had a very bad case of foot tinea. Are you washing hands after touching your feet and/or socks? Are you itchy at all?

Behodar

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# 1416586 30-Oct-2015 07:44

Finch:
Behodar: I've had something similar in winter. "Miconazole" cream worked in my case.

Did you get it on your hands only?

Yes.

Finch

2646 posts

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# 1416638 30-Oct-2015 09:03

First of all, thanks everyone for the replies. Didn't expect so much help on a tech forum!

Behodar:
Finch:
Behodar: I've had something similar in winter. "Miconazole" cream worked in my case.

Did you get it on your hands only?

Yes.

Seems like it could be a winter thing, however obviously will still go to the doctor if it doesn't get better over the weekend.

MadEngineer: What's your day job? Are you constantly in contact with something?

Work part time. One job working with kids, the other in hospitality, dealing with both food and customers, so cash handling.

Could of picked something up from a kid, but would imagine it would have gone now, unless they aren't being treated.

Goosey: Had this once, was a combo of stress and the fact that I had a very bad case of foot tinea. Are you washing hands after touching your feet and/or socks? Are you itchy at all?

Well I definitely wouldn't say i'm stressed. I have a very casual lifestyle, my hardest decision of the day is what to have for dinner lol. Not itchy at all. I don't really touch my feet or socks, only when getting in/out of the shower. These days I am washing the inside of my hand and the fingers, rather than the top of the hand as well because I don't want to get the patches wet.

Goosey

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# 1417560 31-Oct-2015 10:02

could be cleaning agents from your hospo job.
Do you wear gloves when you are using cleaning products?

Finch

2646 posts

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# 1417562 31-Oct-2015 10:07

Goosey: could be cleaning agents from your hospo job.
Do you wear gloves when you are using cleaning products?

No I don't.

I have been there for just over 4 years though which makes me think it isn't that. However maybe I have developed an allergy to something, not that we have changed anything.

IT could be the dish washing liquid, the cleaning spray, the hand sanitiser. Or maybe none of those.

Got to admit I have done what the pharmacist recommended, which was don't put any Savlon on, and it looks like it is healing, ever so slightly.

jmh

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# 1417565 31-Oct-2015 10:11

Looks like some sort of infection. It's a bit odd that it's in the same place on each hand, which makes me think you picked something up which caused either an infection or contact dermatitis. Have you touched any animals recently?

tdgeek

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# 1417567 31-Oct-2015 10:17

Finch:
Goosey: could be cleaning agents from your hospo job.
Do you wear gloves when you are using cleaning products?

No I don't.

I have been there for just over 4 years though which makes me think it isn't that. However maybe I have developed an allergy to something, not that we have changed anything.

IT could be the dish washing liquid, the cleaning spray, the hand sanitiser. Or maybe none of those.

Got to admit I have done what the pharmacist recommended, which was don't put any Savlon on, and it looks like it is healing, ever so slightly.

Doctor. Your impressions are probably driven by the brain, that you want it to heal so that is more than likely making you perceive it is healing.
The doc will push you towards a cure, and save money as well

Finch

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# 1417568 31-Oct-2015 10:18

jmh: Looks like some sort of infection. It's a bit odd that it's in the same place on each hand, which makes me think you picked something up which caused either an infection or contact dermatitis. Have you touched any animals recently?

Not really. Only my cat which I've had for 7 years give or take. Maybe he passed something to me but I'm not the only person living in my place. Maybe I just struck him on a bad day. But again, have had this for 6 months

MadEngineer

1932 posts

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# 1417579 31-Oct-2015 10:41

Allergy or fungal infection, you're in for a hell of a battle. For allergy, there will be blood tests, spot (allergy) tests and months or years of not knowing exactly what you're allergic to. Unfortunately once it starts, your body can start reacting to anything that's otherwise just a mild substance.

For an infection, it takes a very long time to rid it from your skin but short term recovery will be quick and you'll see immediate progress and relief.

Either way you need to take to it like you would a full on war. For allergies you can't simply decide ok I'll take the medicine/creams and maybe stop using hand wash. You need to get back to basics and be aware of what you're eating and touching, take a long holiday away from work. Look at what chemicals you're using in the bathroom - you'll get some cream to use in place of soap as a prescription from your doctor.

For infection, especially fungal it can take months to leave the skin, then years to leave your environment. You have to keep your hands properly clean and dried. For those that have it on their feet I suggest buying new socks and shoes once it has cleared from your skin. Flare ups are likely but again but keep at it and you'll win.

Fred99

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# 1417594 31-Oct-2015 10:58

One person supports this post

It doesn't look like an infection. It does look exactly like hand dermatitis / eczema, and from description of work, probably contact dermatitis. Google it, as well images of as severe cases with hands blown up like red balloons, such lesions as in your photo are common. Avoid the (alcohol based) hand sanitiser. Be careful not to get surface cleaner/disinfectant on your hands. Use gloves if you're washing dishes by hand. Get some 0.5% hydrocortisone cream (OTC at chemist), and follow instructions. Reapply after hand washing. If the cream makes it worse (very unlikely), stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. If it hasn't started clearing up in a few days, then go see a Dr.

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