Suggest Treatment For Severe Itching In The Hands Caused By Eczema

Posted on Fri, 17 Jun 2016

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

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 Answered on

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I went to see a dermatologist about my hands he said it was eczema, however I now see that my toes and between my toes are peeling not much itching on the hands however my feet always itch even before they started peeling. the dr. prescribed triamcinolone acetonide cream 0.1% twice a day for my hands and that was on Friday 6/10/16 I will upload some pictures of my hands and feet taken a few minutes ago

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
keratolysis exfoliativa

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have reviewed the image.

I would keep a possibility of keratolysis exfoliativa in which there is focal peeling of the palms and less often the soles.

Cause is unknown although it is more common in those who sweat excessively from palms and soles.

Instead of a topical steroid cream I suggest you to use emollients like ammonium lactate containing lotion e.g Amlactin lotion, twice daily.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (44 minutes later)

I do sweat at night however it is always under my breast and neck I attribute it to hot flashes, my body is always hot. I do not sweat running down my face just the areas I describe.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keratolysis exfoliativa

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Dont worry. It should resolve in a few days on suggested treatment.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 days later)

I think you were no detailed enough

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Remedies for keratolysis exfoliativa. Topical steroids are not indicated

Detailed Answer:
I apologise. I will try to eloborate my point.

Topical steroids do not work for keratolysis exfoliativa and are not a recommended form of treatment.
On the other hand emollients like either ammonium lactate 12% lotion or Urea Or glycolic acid (AHA, alpha hydroxy acids) which are keratolytic and hygroscopic i.e exfoliate dead skin and retain skin moisture are usually effective in resolving keratolysis exfoliativa.
Keratolysis exfoliativa may recur in futute, however it responds well to the remedies mentioned above.

Regards

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