Seeking Diagnosis for Unusual Hand Symptoms
Subject: F24, Height: 5’11”, Weight: 79kg Greetings, medical professionals. I’m reaching out for assistance in understanding what is happening to my hands. **Symptoms Overview and Timeline** It’s been two weeks since I lost a close friend, which has understandably left me feeling quite depressed. I've been experiencing mild, self-diagnosed depression and took a week off from work, during which I engaged in substance use, including a maximum of 300mg of DXM HBr daily along with sporadic use of cannabis and mezcal. By Wednesday, I was grappling with intense headaches, chills, body pain, and a significant fever, which I initially attributed to a flu or cold. Alongside these symptoms, I noticed the emergence of small bumps, tiny blisters, or pinprick-like lesions on my palms and the backs of my hands, extending up to my forearms. My palms began to itch severely during this period. A few days later, I realized that the tips of my fingers felt thicker and more abrasive; I initially dismissed this as a reaction to the cold weather. The skin in the affected areas developed a rugged and patchy appearance, sparing only my thumbs and parts of my index fingers. Soon after, I began to observe peeling, starting from the pinky next to the nail, exposing sensitive pink skin beneath the layers of dead skin. Currently, this peeling is spreading to additional fingers, causing me concern. **My Concerns** Could this condition be contagious? Will it leave lasting effects on my fingerprints? What treatments are available, and is complete healing a possibility? **Relevant Medical Background** I have a history of chronic dandruff that hasn’t responded to ketoconazole. In the past, I have experienced athlete's foot, and I previously dealt with ringworm on my face, resulting in red, peeling, and dry patches of skin. Additionally, I struggle with substance use disorder, primarily affecting my consumption of cannabis and DXM, along with alcohol. This does not pose an immediate threat to my life, but it does affect my daily functioning. Could these symptoms indicate a fungal infection, an autoimmune response, or perhaps a byproduct of my recent fever? Any guidance you can provide would be immensely valuable. Thank you in advance for your insights!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 3:30:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and how it has impacted your well-being. It sounds like you’re experiencing a complex situation with your hand symptoms, and you’ve done well to describe them. Let's break down your concerns regarding the bumps, itching, and peeling on your hands.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be caused by several conditions, potentially ranging from dermatitis to fungal infections.
- These symptoms do not seem contagious at this stage.
- Treatment options are available, and healing is likely possible with appropriate care.
Explanation:
The symptoms you’re describing—bumps, blisters, and peeling skin on your hands—could potentially stem from different causes, including:
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This may arise from skin contact with substances, especially if you’ve been using substances or dealing with stress-related behaviors.
- Fungal Infection: Given your history of athlete's foot and ringworm, a fungal infection might be a consideration, especially with an itchy, peeling presentation.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Some autoimmune skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, although they may present differently over time.
Your concern about the condition being contagious is understandable; however, typical skin issues stemming from irritation or certain infections are not usually contagious unless specifically indicated (like certain types of fungal infections).
Lastly, the rugged appearance and peeling should not leave lasting effects on your fingerprints, as skin typically regenerates.
Next Steps:
-
Avoid Further Irritants: Keep your hands clean and dry and try to avoid any potential irritants, such as substances you have been using or harsh soaps.
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Topical Care: Consider applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and inflammation and a gentle moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
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Monitor: Keep track of any new symptoms or changes in the existing ones. If you notice the condition worsening, spreading, or if new symptoms occur (like increased redness, warmth, or pus), take note of these changes.
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Abstain from Substances: Consider reducing or eliminating substance use, as this can affect your mental and physical health and may worsen skin conditions.
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Consult a Professional: If symptoms continue after two weeks of home care or worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial. A dermatologist can offer a proper diagnosis and tailored treatments.
Your feelings of concern and confusion are valid, and it’s commendable that you are seeking clarity. If you have more questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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