What Causes Itching Redness And Inflammation On Left Hand?

In November I noticed on my left hand a red, itchy, inflammed and swollen hand and mostly on my index and middle fingers. What was the most painful was the nodules right under the skin, they came in clumps. I also had a very itchy rash, and very swollen and tender finger joints. A month later it developed on my right hand and is very bad. Lots of nodules that itch and are very sore. My fingers, especially the index, is so swollen I cannot make a fist. The first doctor's appt. December 5, they treated me with anti-virus drug for a week and keflex for a month. They prescribed an ointment as well. Nothing seemed to help. Last Monday I went back to the first doctor, a dermatologist, and he was alarmed thinking Ruemotoid Arthitis. He gave me an itinial blood test. Results were negative for the RF but my iron level was extremely low. I am female and 55 years old. Today I went to my general doctor and he took lots of blood, enough he said for 30 tests. Results come next Monday afternoon. He thinks Lupus. Any thoughts? Betsy