Itchy rash on the fingers

PATIENTS may present with an itchy vesicular rash on the sides of the fingers looking somewhat like frogspawn. This is pompholyx eczema.

It can be an adult manifestation of atopic eczema, a reaction to stress, a contact irritant or allergic reaction. Some patients present with this as a reaction to a fungal infection between the toes. Clear the fungal infection on the feet and the pompholyx on the fingers disappears.

Otherwise, use a strong steroid cream such as betamethasone (Diprosone) or mometasone (Elocon) to suppress the itch and vesiculation and protect the hands from irritants until the skin protective layers regrow.

Occasionally short courses of oral steroids are required to control the itch.

For further discussion of this case, log into www.skinconsult.com.au.