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What Causes Reddish Itchy Rash On Knuckle?
Question: I am researching possible diagnoses for a roundish pink/red (little bit scaly) rash type thing on my knuckle. It started a while back but was more white/dry/light pink. But now it will get red to almost purplish brown and it has gotten bigger. I work with my hands and it's annoying. It has only itched slightly a couple of times. I tried cortisone and I get a bit of a tingly feeling. I'v tried apple cider vinegar. I need to figure out what it is and get it gone! Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
sounds like a fungal rash
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Based on the description provided ( you can also attach a picture if you wish), it does sound like a fungal rash.
The steroid cream would have helped if it was related to allergic reaction in the skin and is also helpful in the initial treatment of fungal infections because they help to reduce the inflammatory response of the infection.
A topical anti fungal would be the best option. Fungi can sometimes have a slow response to treatment and it can sometimes be necessary to treat for up to 2 to 3 weeks.
Examples of topical anti fungals are: lamisil, nizoral, econazole, canesten, miconazole
If you are not using a disposable q tip or clothe to apply the cream, you should wash directly after to avoid spreading it to other areas.
Your local pharmacy should have one of these creams.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
sounds like a fungal rash
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Based on the description provided ( you can also attach a picture if you wish), it does sound like a fungal rash.
The steroid cream would have helped if it was related to allergic reaction in the skin and is also helpful in the initial treatment of fungal infections because they help to reduce the inflammatory response of the infection.
A topical anti fungal would be the best option. Fungi can sometimes have a slow response to treatment and it can sometimes be necessary to treat for up to 2 to 3 weeks.
Examples of topical anti fungals are: lamisil, nizoral, econazole, canesten, miconazole
If you are not using a disposable q tip or clothe to apply the cream, you should wash directly after to avoid spreading it to other areas.
Your local pharmacy should have one of these creams.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks so much for this, Dr. Gibson. I thought it might be fungal because it grew a bit. I will use a qtip but why would the tea tree (anti fungal) have made it worse? I am attaching a pic. ANy idea how I would have contracted this? And it seems the baking soda and cortisone 1% made it a little less red and possibly smaller. How can I be sure it's fungal? Trying to determine how to send a pic to you.
Brief Answer:
picture seen, does appear fungal
Detailed Answer:
HI
It appears to have a slightly raised edge which can be seen in fungal rashes.
Most rashes are diagnosed mainly on inspection of the area involved.
Tea tree oil has been used for different infections and may be useful. The initial studies had looked mainly at its treatment in candida infections but other fungi have since been looked at.
It is possible that the particular fungus causing your infection was not susceptible or it may not be used as long as needed to treat the infection.
IF you wish , you can use both a traditional anti fungal along with the tea tree.
please feel free to ask any additional questions
picture seen, does appear fungal
Detailed Answer:
HI
It appears to have a slightly raised edge which can be seen in fungal rashes.
Most rashes are diagnosed mainly on inspection of the area involved.
Tea tree oil has been used for different infections and may be useful. The initial studies had looked mainly at its treatment in candida infections but other fungi have since been looked at.
It is possible that the particular fungus causing your infection was not susceptible or it may not be used as long as needed to treat the infection.
IF you wish , you can use both a traditional anti fungal along with the tea tree.
please feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Give thanks Dr. Gibson. Hoping I can solve this with some simple and consistent anti-fungal treatment. Also hoping I haven't passed it along. Not sure how contagious it is. Gratitude.
Brief Answer:
it is contagious
Detailed Answer:
HI
It should resolve with consistent treatment. If the topical is not enough then your doctor may suggest oral medication.
it is possible to for the infection to the transmitted by touch of the lesion or if using touching surfaces that may have been contaminated.
Hand washing, cleaning possible contaminated surfaces would reduce the chance of transmission
You can ask any additional questions if anything else is unclear
it is contagious
Detailed Answer:
HI
It should resolve with consistent treatment. If the topical is not enough then your doctor may suggest oral medication.
it is possible to for the infection to the transmitted by touch of the lesion or if using touching surfaces that may have been contaminated.
Hand washing, cleaning possible contaminated surfaces would reduce the chance of transmission
You can ask any additional questions if anything else is unclear
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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