What medicine can help me in managing my itching and rash?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am itching on my palms and fingers. There is redness and small hives. It has been one week now. I have also developed a rash near my elbow and wrist. The itching is more when I wake up in the morning. I have attached the images. The rash is on both of my hands.

I am studying agriculture, and I need to perform field work very often. I am currently residing in a very small town, and the medical facilities are not at all good. On top of that, I have my exams.

For the past four days, I have been applying an ointment, which is antifungal and antibacterial. I have also been taking Cetirizine, but it does not seem to help. If you could suggest any medicine to me, I would be really thankful to you.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have reviewed the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It seems that you are suffering from a form of contact allergic eczema.

It is an eczema in response to an allergy to some agricultural substance, vegetation product or chemical, such as a pesticide, fertilizer or some other occupational exposure substance. It is also possible that you may have an intrinsic tendency to allergies in general and react to these purported substances, in an out-of-proportion way, due to that tendency.

I suggest applying a potent corticosteroid cream, preferably with an antifungal combination, such as Tenovate-M (Clobetasol propionate) cream or a plain potent steroid cream or ointment, such as Halox or Halovate (Halobetasol propionate) ointment, to be applied twice a day over the affected areas for a duration of 15 days.

Additionally, I suggest tablet Allegra (Fexofenadine) 180 mg, one tablet to be taken daily in the evening for 10 days. Try to visit a general practitioner or a family physician and take the above treatment with consent.

Use only mild soap, such as baby soap or creamy soap, for washing hands. Strictly avoid exposure to any detergents, medicated soaps, harsh soaps and hand sanitizer, as they may worsen the condition. This should provide you with instant relief from your current problem.

However, after your examinations are over and the condition subsides, you shall need to consult a dermatologist in person. So, further tests, such as a patch test, may be conducted to elucidate the suspected cause of this contact allergy.

I hope this information will help you.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thanks.