Suggest Remedy For Lesions On Arms And Hands

Posted on Mon, 9 Feb 2015

Question: For the last 4 months I've noticed isolated lesions usually 1-2 at a time on the back of my hands and up one arm or the other. They appear like rough plaques with some pigment, and once the plaque rises and falls off there is a single blood spot and the surrounding skin underneath the plaque that is raw takes a long time to heal and scars 9/10 times. I'm a female grad student early 20's, just moved apartments. ive tried steroid creams RXd by doctors, and antibiotic ointments and cortisone cream and nothing seems to work or prevent the scarring. Also wondering whether my knees getting red and splotchy after a shower (lasting for a few min) have anything to do with it?

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach a photograph

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand that you are having some skin lesions on your hands and arms from past few months.

From your description and history, I would consider the possibilities of eczema and psoriasis.

You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (11 minutes later)

Thank you i was thinking it looked like psoriasis but was scared about possibilities of infectious origin or anything as these lesions keep reoccuring. The fact that one appeared on a finger on the palm of my hand also scared me because i know syphilis likes that area. Although i practice safe precautions i am always paranoid as i study the sciences and such things give me anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nummular eczema/ PLC/ Psoriasis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the clear pictures.

I would consider the following possibilities -

1. Nummular eczema- This appears as small to medium round plaques which can become oozy or crusted.

2. Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica- This is a type of a self limiting skin disorder which has no definite cause. It presents with crops of such small plaques which scar and leave white spots on the limbs and trunk.

3. Psoriasis- This is a remote possibility but I am including this in the list as you have treated the lesions and hence some of them could look modified by the creams.

Secondary syphilis could have rashes presenting in a similar manner.
You could get a VDRL or TPHA test to rule out syphilis if you have history of unprotected intercourse.

The only way to confirm the diagnosis is by doing a skin biopsy.

If you have further questions, please feel free to ask me.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju