How can a patient get rid of the skin-colored, itchy bumps on the joint connecting the first finger and the thumb?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have skin-colored bumps that are extremely itchy. When the bumps are scratched too hard, they bleed minimally. The bumps are located on the far right side of my left hand, approximately an inch below the joint connecting my first finger and thumb. I have used Cortizone cream previously.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I saw the picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Clinically it is ringworm infection or tinea corporis. Red itchy bumps at the edges are a classic sign of ringworm infection. Check your pet animals for rashes because they usually spread from animals and fomites. Other possibility is granuloma annulare. This presents with skin-colored bumps, as you have described. It is usually seen on the back of the hand, but it will not have much itching or redness. Skin scrapping from the lesion and KOH (potassium hydroxide) mount under the microscope will confirm the diagnosis of ringworm if the fungal elements are appreciated. Cortisone (Hydrocortisone) is a corticosteroid cream that gives temporary relief from itching but makes the infection worse. I suggest you stop using the Cortisone cream.

Tinea will respond well to topical Ketoconazole 2 % cream. I suggest you apply the cream to the rash two times a day for two weeks. Use lukewarm water for taking a bath, and avoid very hot showers. Do not share your towel, gloves, and soap with others.