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Suggest Treatment For Swelling And Itching In The Knuckles
Posted on
Tue, 6 Jun 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 6 Jun 2017
Answered on
Thu, 22 Jun 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : one of my knuckles is swollen and itchy and has been for several weeks. I thought it was just because of washing my hands frequently, but now i have bumps on the back of my hand that are itchy as well. Should I be worried and see a doctor?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
There are a number of things this could be. Are you able to upload a good quality digital picture of the bumps on the back of the hand, preferably at least one that is taken close up?
Possibilities include a contact dermatitis (reaction to a plant or something else you've come in contact with), an allergic reaction, and other immune reactions.
Also, I would avoid antibiotic ointment, because it doesn't sound like there is a wound with a bacterial infection from your description, and antibiotic ointment can cause allergic reactions.
I'll wait to see pictures - hopefully you can upload some.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
There are a number of things this could be. Are you able to upload a good quality digital picture of the bumps on the back of the hand, preferably at least one that is taken close up?
Possibilities include a contact dermatitis (reaction to a plant or something else you've come in contact with), an allergic reaction, and other immune reactions.
Also, I would avoid antibiotic ointment, because it doesn't sound like there is a wound with a bacterial infection from your description, and antibiotic ointment can cause allergic reactions.
I'll wait to see pictures - hopefully you can upload some.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
one from my knuckle and one from my hand.
Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for sending these.
This could be a contact dermatitis, or eczema, but I am concerned about the possibility of infection, either fungal or bacterial. In particular the finger looks quite red/inflamed.
You could try some over the counter hydrocortisone cream but I'd rather you go in for a couple of reasons. The amount of redness is significant on your finger and I think it should be seen in person. Secondly, I don't think 1% hydrocortisone cream will be enough, and if there is infection present, it would only be decreasing the inflammation and not treating the underlying cause.
So - I wouldn't worry, but I do advise that you go in to be seen in person.
If you go to an urgent care clinic, request seeing an experienced doctor, as sometimes they will have people seen by a PA or NP and this should be seen by a physician.
I'm sorry I can't say specifically what it is, but I can say that it should be seen in person.
Thoughts on this.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for sending these.
This could be a contact dermatitis, or eczema, but I am concerned about the possibility of infection, either fungal or bacterial. In particular the finger looks quite red/inflamed.
You could try some over the counter hydrocortisone cream but I'd rather you go in for a couple of reasons. The amount of redness is significant on your finger and I think it should be seen in person. Secondly, I don't think 1% hydrocortisone cream will be enough, and if there is infection present, it would only be decreasing the inflammation and not treating the underlying cause.
So - I wouldn't worry, but I do advise that you go in to be seen in person.
If you go to an urgent care clinic, request seeing an experienced doctor, as sometimes they will have people seen by a PA or NP and this should be seen by a physician.
I'm sorry I can't say specifically what it is, but I can say that it should be seen in person.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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