What Could Be The Cause For Rash On Hand?

Posted on Sun, 2 Feb 2014

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

Sat, 1 Feb 2014 Answered on

Tue, 18 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a rash on the palm of my hand. I have attached a picture, do you know what this is?

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Irritant reaction over hands, to find allergen Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same. Now from the picture, it looks like you have developed some form of an irritant skin reaction. There are certain other things that I would like to know from you before we can reach a final diagnosis. Please tell since when have you developed this reaction? Is there any associated itching or pain? Did it develop slowly or was it sudden in onset? Did you handle any chemicals or plants or used things like dettol for washing hands? I am sure I will be able to help you more once you provide me the above details. Dr Geetika Paul

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

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (8 minutes later)

I have had this for about 2 days. It does not really itch, but is a little tender to the touch. Seemed to be sudden in onset. I dont remember handling anything out of the ordinary. I work with peoples computers

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Grouped vesicles, more likely to be viral Detailed Answer: Hi again The absence of itching rules out an allergic reaction. Since these are basically grouped vesicles associated with tenderness, I would like to keep a possibility of a localised herpes infection. You just need to apply a topical antibiotic cream like mupirocin over the lesions twice a day. Do not apply any other cream over it. If the lesions tend to persist for more than three days inspite of the application of medicine, then you might need a course of oral antivirals. Dr Geetika Paul

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

Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (1 minute later)

Inwas recently diagnosed with SLE. Do you thinks this could be a lupus rash?

Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Grouped blisters, allergic or viral Detailed Answer: Hi again Though lupus is known to cause a variety of skin rashes, these lesions look quite unlikely to be due to lupus. I would like to know if you are on steroids or any other oral medicines at present. Although I think the possibility of a herpetic rash is more but observation of the skin rash is very important. If the skin lesions tend to increase or they coalesce or develop on the other hand as well, then we can think of a systemic cause like lupus or eczema more. I would advise you to apply the cream and observe the further course of the skin lesions. Dr Geetika Paul

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