What Causes Itchy Red Bumps On The Knuckles Of The Hand?

Posted on Tue, 27 Dec 2016

Question: My girlfriend has these nodules that are sore, painful and sometimes itchy. They usually appear in cold weather but now they are appearing at random times even in normal weather temperatures.
She also accidently hit her finger on something this morning, very lightly, and it aggrevated it. She says it will last a couple weeks now from the hit.

They appear on the inside and outside of the hand but always on knuckles. And typically in the same areas.

This has been going on for over 15 years and she wants to know what they are and what can be done about them.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

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

Does she have any associated joint problems? like pain, joint swelling, morning stiffness?
Are these nodules persistent?Or do they resolve? How long do they last?
Are there any other associated symptoms like fever, malaise?

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 hours later)

No other pain on joints or stiffness. She woke up with more sore nodules today on different knuckles. No fever. No malaise. The nodules last about a month and happen a few times a year. They are extra sore in the morning.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest a skin biopsy as next step

Detailed Answer:
Thank you.

I would keep a possibility of either Sweet's Syndrome (SS) Or Erthema Elevatum Diutinum (EED)
I would suggest a skin biopsy from one of the nodules to confirm the diagnosis as treatment for both these conditions is entirely different.
Sweet's Syndrome responds very well to oral steroids. Dapsone is the drug of choice in EED

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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