Are Little Fluid Filled Blisters And Cracks On My Hand A Serious Concern?

Posted on Sat, 9 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 9 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : Ok, the skin on my hand (particularly) my thumb gets dry and hard like elephant skin. It gets little fluid filled blisters and cracks open at the first joint all the way through the skin. It is itchy and happens about once a year but not this bad.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Probably dyshidrotic eczema, follow the advice below.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your symptoms seem to be related to Dyshidrotic eczema.
A photo might be helpful to confirm the diagnosis.
It can be caused by many factors like stress,sweaty hands,contact with different metals.
Some advices that I can give to you are :
-take oral antihistamines to relieve the itching
-use prescribed ointment that contains corticosteroids for local relief
-use cold compresses
-Wash and dry your hands frequently to prevent bacterial infection
-use a moisturizer
-If you don't get better you should do an allergy test and see a dermatologist for further treatment.

Hope my answer was helpful.
If you have further queries feel free to contact me again.
Kind regards!
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (8 hours later)

Thank you so much for your reply. As I make higher end jewelry with a variety of different metals, and under heavy stress most of the time, your diagnosis makes sense. I do need time a Dermatologist because the defect on my hand is rather large. It will probably heal by secondary intent but it is so tight that it might need a graft. Oh well everything works out in the end.

Thank You

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are Welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

I'm glad that I could help you.
You are welcome for any other queries in the future.

Take care,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng