Having Swollen, Red And Itchy Hands And Feet. Diagnosed As Allergy. Using Cortisone. What Is The Disease?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jul 2012

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

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 Answered on

Wed, 8 Aug 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I am looking for an answer regarding swollen ,red,itchy hands and bottom of feet. Not all at the same time and not all fingers on hands. Skin feels so tight it could split and severe itching.Hot at swollen areas,but the itching is worse. Dr.says "allergies" but I wonder. Am taking reactine and using cortisone -based creams,but only moderate and temporary relief. What on earth is it?

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)

Hello XXXXXX

Thanks for writing in.

Your doctor could be right. Major causes of itching are allergies .

However,Scleroderma could be another possibility where the skin of the hands are tight and swollen. Scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder. I would advise you to visit a rheumatologist for a second opinion.

If it is due to allergy ,your condition should get better with the above medications,(reactive and cortisone based creams) provided you avoid the agent that causes the allergy.

Use gloves while washing dishes /clothes, if you wash them with your hands.Sometimes, you might be allergic to harsh detergents/ soaps.
Find out what makes your condition better and what makes it worse. Avoid the triggering factor.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan

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