What Causes A Rash At The Back Of The Hands?

Posted on Sat, 11 Feb 2017

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

Sat, 11 Feb 2017 Answered on

Thu, 2 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a rash only on the back of my hands...I thought it was psoriasis and have been using extra emollient lotion at night. It itches horribly so I contacted my doctor and he gave me four days of prednisone. It lessened the rash for a few days and now it is back. When I use benedryl cream it diminishes the redness and the skin dries. Not sure what to do to get rid of this as it has been going on now for almost 3 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Topical steroid and oral antihistamine

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have viewed the images.
Seems like an acute eczematous dermatitis. I suggest you yo use a topical moderately potent steroid cream e.g mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, twice daily.
In addition you may also take a tablet of cetrizine 10mg once daily for symptomatic relief from itching.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 minutes later)

Are both of these items available at a Walgreens or CVS over the counter?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Topical steroid

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Cetrizine tablet you would get Over the counter(otc). For this topical steroid i.e mometasone furoate you would need a prescription. You may try however if you can get it over the counter.
Else you may try to find either triamcinolone acetonide 0.1 % cream otc. They both would work same.

Regards

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