Topic: Dermatitis-like rash around a cut on my finger?
Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
Okay, I'm sure this isn't lyme-related (although it wouldn't surprise me if it were...), but it's driving me crazy, and I wondered if anyone else has ever expereinced something like this.
I cut my finger while making the bed a few days ago (exposed screw--not rusty, it's a fairly new bed).
I washed the cut and put Neosporin and a Bandaid on it. Now all the way around the cut there's an itchy, blistery-looking rash--it looks like the dermatitis I used to get when I was hand-washing dishes a lot.
My first thought was, could I be allergic to the Bandaid, but the rash is only right around the cut, not all the way around my finger where the sticky part of the Bandaid was.
My other thougth is, could I possibly be allergic to Neosporin? Although I haven't put any on for the last day or so, and the rash isn't getting any better, even with hydrocortisone cream.
I really don't want to have to see a doctor for this, but it itches so badly I want to tear my finger off...
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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feelfit
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12770
posted
Starfall,
I have had what you're describing, a blistery looking rash that itched like crazy it appeared on the middle finger of my left hand.
I scratched it so much the blister thingies broke and the area stayed red and developed a flaky appearance.
My doctor took a culture and it turned out to be lichen of unknown origin. I think lichen is a fungal type thing...
It has been talked about on this board before, if you're interested in doing a search...
by the way, mine took several months to clear.
Posts: 3975 | From usa | Registered: Aug 2007
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Have you tried taking an oral antihistamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec? That might help with the itching.
If it's really driving you nuts try resting your finger on an ice pack for about 20min. Should help numb and relieve the itching (might make it itch worse for a few min until the numb starts to kick in).
You should watch the rash closely. If it doesn't start to get better you will need to see a doctor. The area might be infected. If it gets worse, you know that you should be seen sooner rather than later.
Hopefully it will get better if you just keep it clean and dry. I wouldn't want to go to the doctor for a finger rash either! But this does sound like something that would happen to me Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Another thought, if you are feeling bold, you could show your finger to the pharmacist and ask for recommendations. Of course, you would need a friendly and knowledgeable pharmacist for this.
When you ask, do not ask for a diagnosis, they are not legally allowed to diagnose, just make it clear that you need treatment recommendations.
Pharmacists hear, see, and know alot. They can be an excellent resource.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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Starfall1969
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17353
posted
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. It was really driving me nuts overnight; I woke up scratching it a few times. Just lovely.
Posts: 1682 | From Dillsburg, PA | Registered: Sep 2008
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Soak finger in pure hydrogen peroxide. then believe it or not good old Mercurochrome
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