Hand Bumps Concern?
At 16 years old, standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 80 kg, I’ve encountered a troubling issue: two nights ago, I noticed an unusual series of red bumps on my right hand. They feel exceptionally dry and tend to burn. Recently, I’ve observed a minor amount of similar bumps appearing on my left hand within the last 12 hours. The discomfort in my right hand has been intermittent; it seemed to improve, but then suddenly flared up again. I’ve been taking Epuris since November to manage hormonal acne, yet I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Although I have PCOS, I’m unsure how it ties into this situation. Initially, I suspected it could be an allergic reaction, but my diet and daily habits have remained unchanged. My parents did change laundry detergents, which made me consider that as a possible cause. However, the rash seems to be confined to my hands and doesn’t affect areas that are consistently in contact with clothing, leaving me puzzled about the source. My next appointment with the doctor is set for three weeks from now, but I’m worried this might be a serious condition. What should my next steps be?
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 4:40:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing red bumps on your hands that feel dry and burn, which can be concerning, especially in light of your current treatment for hormonal acne and your diagnosis of PCOS. The fact that these bumps are new and seem to be spreading might suggest a reaction to something in your environment, possibly an irritant or allergen.
Explanation:
The symptoms you describe—red, dry bumps that burn—could have several potential causes, including:
- Contact Dermatitis: This is a common reaction to irritants or allergens. Since your parents switched laundry detergents, that might be a reason to consider. However, it’s unusual for it to appear only on exposed areas like your hands.
- Dermatological Issues: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis could cause similar symptoms. Hormonal changes (linked to PCOS) might also influence skin health.
- Infection: Although less likely, certain infections can cause red bumps; if you notice any signs of pus, warmth, or systemic symptoms (like fever), this would be important to note.
Next Steps:
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to alleviate your symptoms and assess your condition until your doctor’s appointment:
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Moisturize the Affected Areas: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer regularly to help soothe dry and irritated skin. Look for products with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides.
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Avoid Known Irritants: Since you suspect that the new laundry detergent might be a cause, try to minimize contact with it. If you're able, switch back to the old detergent or rinse clothes thoroughly before wearing them.
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Keep a Symptoms Diary: Document when the bumps appear or worsen, any new products you’ve used (like soaps or lotions), and activities that may irritate your hands. This can help your healthcare provider understand the situation better during your appointment.
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Avoid Scratching: As tempting as it may be, try not to scratch the bumps, as this can worsen irritation or lead to infection.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the bumps for any changes, such as increasing spread, signs of infection (redness extending, warmth, or pus), or if they start to affect other areas.
If symptoms worsen before your scheduled appointment, or if you experience discomfort that affects your daily activities significantly, reconsider and reach out for prompt care. Remember, it's always best to err on the side of caution with skin concerns.
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