Rash on Hands and Feet: Common Causes and Treatment

A rash on your limbs can result from a bacterial or fungal infection. It may also occur due to a health condition or medication. You may also experience other symptoms, including itchiness.

Rashes are earmarked by a change in the color and texture of your skin. They may have blisters, and they may itch or hurt. Rashes that break out on your hands and feet have a wide range of underlying causes.

We’ll explore some of the common conditions that cause rashes to occur on the hands and feet. We’ll also look at treatment options you can try at home, or under a doctor’s care.

Rashes on the hands and feet can be caused by environmental factors, such as irritants or allergens. They may also be the result of medical conditions or infections.

Some common causes of rashes on hands and feet include:

Hand, foot, and mouth diseas

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious infection caused by several viruses, including the coxsackie virus. Anyone can get hand, foot, and mouth disease, although it most commonly occurs in babies and children.

This condition causes a rash on the hands and feet, as well as sores in the mouth and on the tongue. You may experience fever and a sore throat with this condition.

The hand and foot rash caused by this condition sometimes causes blistering to occur, and may be painful, but not itchy. In some instances, it may appear on the buttocks, as well.

Granuloma annulare

Granuloma annulare is a chronic, degenerative skin condition with an unknown cause. There are five recognized types:

• localized granuloma annulare
• generalized or disseminated granuloma annulare
• subcutaneous granuloma annulare
• perforating granuloma annulare
• linear granuloma

The most common type, localized granuloma annulare, causes rings of flesh-toned, red, or yellow nodules to form on the feet, hands and fingers.

These nodules are small and hard, but do not typically itch. The rings usually clear up on their own without treatment, within a few months to two years. They may, however, come back.

Granuloma annulare is more common in women than in men, and tends to occur during young adulthood.

Dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrosis, pompholyx)

This very itchy, common form of eczema causes deep-set blisters on the palms of hands, edges of fingers, soles and sides of feet, and toes. The blisters can become large and painful, and may last for several weeks.

Dyshidrotic eczema outbreaks often coincide with seasonal allergies, during spring and summer. It’s more common in women than in men. This condition is not curable, but its symptoms can be successfully treated. It’s not contagious.

Impetigo

This very contagious, bacterial skin infection begins with an oozing rash of red sores around the mouth and nose that can be spread to the hands and feet via touch. When the sores burst, they develop brownish-yellow crusts.

The rash can be itchy, and painful. Impetigo most commonly occurs in infants and children. Itching and soreness are other symptoms.

Hand-foot syndrome (acral erythema or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)

This condition is a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment. It’s earmarked by pain, swelling, and redness in either or both the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also cause tingling, burning, and blisters. In severe cases, deeply cracked skin and extreme pain may occur.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a contagious fungal infection. It usually starts between the toes, and spreads to the entire foot. This condition is earmarked by a scaly, red rash that itches.

In some instances, athlete’s foot can spread to the hands. This is more likely to happen if you pick at or scratch the rash on your feet.

Athlete’s foot is caused by keeping very sweaty feet trapped in shoes. It can also be transmitted on locker room and shower floors.

Many hand and foot rashes can be treated at home, but some require medical treatment, based on their underlying cause and severity.

There are a number of over-the-counter and at-home rash treatments that may help alleviate itching and pain, plus reduce the appearance of the rash. You may have the best success by combining several.

Home treatments include:

• topical application of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• topical application of anti-itch medications containing pramoxine
• topical application of lidocaine, or other types of pain medication
• cold compresses
• oral antihistamines
• oral pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• cool oatmeal baths
• applying unscented moisturizing cream
• avoiding triggers, such as pollen

If you have dyshidrotic eczema: Avoid cobalt and nickel in food and in everyday items. Foods that contain cobalt include clams, fish, and leafy green vegetables. Foods that contain nickel include chocolate, soy beans, and oatmeal.

If you have impetigo: Cleaning and soaking the blisters and removing the crusts every few days may help. Cover the area with an antibiotic cream and loose dressing after treating.

If your rash does not clear up, your doctor may recommend the following:

• corticosteroid injections
• liquid nitrogen, applied directly to the rash to freeze the area and remove lesions
• oral medication to reduce immune system reactions
• light therapy using a laser
• blister draining
• antibiotics, if infection occurs

Any rash that’s painful, accompanied by fever, or looks infected should be seen by a doctor. You should also seek medical attention for a rash that doesn’t clear up easily with treatments you use at home.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the rash visually after taking an oral history. In some instances, you may also expect diagnostic tests, such as:

• skin culture
• allergy tests
• skin lesion biopsy

If your child has a rash that does not clear up within one or two days, they should be seen by their pediatrician. This will help determine the cause of the rash, and provide relief for their symptoms.

If your child has sores in their mouth or throat that prohibit them from drinking, they should also be seen by their doctor, to avoid complications such as dehydration.

Since conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease and impetigo are contagious, make sure to wash your hands after caring for your child.

If you’re a cancer patient experiencing hand-foot syndrome, let your doctor know. Your doctor may be able to change the dosage or type of medication you’re taking.

Rashes on the hands and feet can be caused by a wide range of conditions. These types of rashes sometimes clear up on their own, or they are treated easily at home.

Depending on their underlying conditions, some rashes will respond better to treatments performed or prescribed by a doctor. See your healthcare provider for any rash that’s accompanied by fever or pain.

Rash on Hands and Feet: Common Causes and Treatment

A rash on your limbs can result from a bacterial or fungal infection. It may also occur due to a health condition or medication. You may also experience other symptoms, including itchiness.

Rashes are earmarked by a change in the color and texture of your skin. They may have blisters, and they may itch or hurt. Rashes that break out on your hands and feet have a wide range of underlying causes.

We’ll explore some of the common conditions that cause rashes to occur on the hands and feet. We’ll also look at treatment options you can try at home, or under a doctor’s care.

Rashes on the hands and feet can be caused by environmental factors, such as irritants or allergens. They may also be the result of medical conditions or infections.

Some common causes of rashes on hands and feet include:

Hand, foot, and mouth diseas

e

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious infection caused by several viruses, including the coxsackie virus. Anyone can get hand, foot, and mouth disease, although it most commonly occurs in babies and children.

This condition causes a rash on the hands and feet, as well as sores in the mouth and on the tongue. You may experience fever and a sore throat with this condition.

The hand and foot rash caused by this condition sometimes causes blistering to occur, and may be painful, but not itchy. In some instances, it may appear on the buttocks, as well.

Granuloma annulare

Granuloma annulare is a chronic, degenerative skin condition with an unknown cause. There are five recognized types:

• localized granuloma annulare
• generalized or disseminated granuloma annulare
• subcutaneous granuloma annulare
• perforating granuloma annulare
• linear granuloma

The most common type, localized granuloma annulare, causes rings of flesh-toned, red, or yellow nodules to form on the feet, hands and fingers.

These nodules are small and hard, but do not typically itch. The rings usually clear up on their own without treatment, within a few months to two years. They may, however, come back.

Granuloma annulare is more common in women than in men, and tends to occur during young adulthood.

Dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrosis, pompholyx)

This very itchy, common form of eczema causes deep-set blisters on the palms of hands, edges of fingers, soles and sides of feet, and toes. The blisters can become large and painful, and may last for several weeks.

Dyshidrotic eczema outbreaks often coincide with seasonal allergies, during spring and summer. It’s more common in women than in men. This condition is not curable, but its symptoms can be successfully treated. It’s not contagious.

Impetigo

This very contagious, bacterial skin infection begins with an oozing rash of red sores around the mouth and nose that can be spread to the hands and feet via touch. When the sores burst, they develop brownish-yellow crusts.

The rash can be itchy, and painful. Impetigo most commonly occurs in infants and children. Itching and soreness are other symptoms.

Hand-foot syndrome (acral erythema or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)

This condition is a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment. It’s earmarked by pain, swelling, and redness in either or both the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also cause tingling, burning, and blisters. In severe cases, deeply cracked skin and extreme pain may occur.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a contagious fungal infection. It usually starts between the toes, and spreads to the entire foot. This condition is earmarked by a scaly, red rash that itches.

In some instances, athlete’s foot can spread to the hands. This is more likely to happen if you pick at or scratch the rash on your feet.

Athlete’s foot is caused by keeping very sweaty feet trapped in shoes. It can also be transmitted on locker room and shower floors.

Many hand and foot rashes can be treated at home, but some require medical treatment, based on their underlying cause and severity.

There are a number of over-the-counter and at-home rash treatments that may help alleviate itching and pain, plus reduce the appearance of the rash. You may have the best success by combining several.

Home treatments include:

• topical application of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• topical application of anti-itch medications containing pramoxine
• topical application of lidocaine, or other types of pain medication
• cold compresses
• oral antihistamines
• oral pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• cool oatmeal baths
• applying unscented moisturizing cream
• avoiding triggers, such as pollen

If you have dyshidrotic eczema: Avoid cobalt and nickel in food and in everyday items. Foods that contain cobalt include clams, fish, and leafy green vegetables. Foods that contain nickel include chocolate, soy beans, and oatmeal.

If you have impetigo: Cleaning and soaking the blisters and removing the crusts every few days may help. Cover the area with an antibiotic cream and loose dressing after treating.

If your rash does not clear up, your doctor may recommend the following:

• corticosteroid injections
• liquid nitrogen, applied directly to the rash to freeze the area and remove lesions
• oral medication to reduce immune system reactions
• light therapy using a laser
• blister draining
• antibiotics, if infection occurs

Any rash that’s painful, accompanied by fever, or looks infected should be seen by a doctor. You should also seek medical attention for a rash that doesn’t clear up easily with treatments you use at home.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the rash visually after taking an oral history. In some instances, you may also expect diagnostic tests, such as:

• skin culture
• allergy tests
• skin lesion biopsy

If your child has a rash that does not clear up within one or two days, they should be seen by their pediatrician. This will help determine the cause of the rash, and provide relief for their symptoms.

If your child has sores in their mouth or throat that prohibit them from drinking, they should also be seen by their doctor, to avoid complications such as dehydration.

Since conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease and impetigo are contagious, make sure to wash your hands after caring for your child.

If you’re a cancer patient experiencing hand-foot syndrome, let your doctor know. Your doctor may be able to change the dosage or type of medication you’re taking.

Rashes on the hands and feet can be caused by a wide range of conditions. These types of rashes sometimes clear up on their own, or they are treated easily at home.

Depending on their underlying conditions, some rashes will respond better to treatments performed or prescribed by a doctor. See your healthcare provider for any rash that’s accompanied by fever or pain.

Atopic dermatitis in adults: causes and treatment

Atopic dermatitis is treated by a dermatologist

Mild forms of atopic dermatitis can be observed by a general practitioner (pediatrician, internist). If the allergic nature of the disease is suspected or proven, consultation or observation of an allergist is necessary.

In different countries, atopic dermatitis may be referred to as atopic eczema, eczema, neurodermatitis, neurodermatitis.

What is atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that is manifested by redness, rashes, peeling.

As a rule, atopic dermatitis is accompanied by severe itching. It is characterized by a chronic or recurrent (periods of exacerbations alternate with periods of remission) course. In some cases, a state of prolonged and stable remission is possible.

Forms and complications of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis rash can look different depending on age. There are infant, child and adult forms of the disease. In addition, two forms of atopic dermatitis are currently distinguished depending on the presence of atopy – atopic and non-atopic.

In the atopic form, there is a connection of exacerbations with food, house dust allergens, less often pollen. Often there are other atopic diseases: bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis – both in the patient himself and in his close relatives.

The existence of other forms of atopic dermatitis is also assumed, since in different patients the disease can have a different set of symptoms and proceed in different ways. However, clear markers that allow us to judge what scenario the disease will follow in a particular case have not yet been identified.

Atopic dermatitis can be complicated by the addition of an infection – bacterial, fungal or viral. If the picture of the rash has changed, the general condition is disturbing (fever, lethargy, headache, etc.), you should consult a doctor.

Causes of disease

There is no single reason for the development of atopic dermatitis. The occurrence of the disease is facilitated by a whole range of conditions: genetic characteristics and environmental factors. These include a violation of the protective function of the skin (it becomes more vulnerable to the effects of detergents or other irritants), features of the immune system, climatic conditions (temperature, humidity, dust, tobacco smoke and other impurities in the environment). The possible impact of the microbiome is being studied.

Symptoms

• Eruptions on the skin
• Itching
• Dry skin and flaking of the skin

Stages of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis proceeds with stages of exacerbation (there are clinical manifestations, complaints) and remission (there are no manifestations of the disease).

In some patients, remissions are short-term and may last only a few days after treatment is discontinued. This course of atopic dermatitis is called severe and requires long-term maintenance treatment. In other cases, the course is more favorable, and remissions can persist for many years.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis

A feature of the treatment of atopic dermatitis is a stepwise approach from simpler methods of external therapy and skin care to complex innovative techniques.

Means and methods of treatment of atopic dermatitis

In the treatment of atopic dermatitis are used:

• Emollient and moisturizing creams and ointments are the mainstay of atopic dermatitis treatment. These products keep the skin hydrated and soft.
• Steroid creams and ointments are applied to the skin to help relieve redness and itching. In severe cases, steroid tablets or injections may be required, but your doctor will keep the course of treatment as short as possible, since the high effectiveness of injections is combined with a high risk of side effects.
• Medications that affect the immune system are highly effective but have side effects and may be used when safer treatments have failed.
• Antihistamines may be used in patients who report improvement in pruritus.
• To increase the effectiveness of therapy, it is possible to carry out wet wraps (Wet Dressing, Wet Wrap Therapy).

Wet Dressing, Wet Wrap Therapy

Treatment with Wet Wrap Therapy helps to quickly clear the skin of rashes and can be used both in a medical institution or hospital, and at home. The effect is associated with improved penetration of the drug used, deeper and longer hydration, and a decrease in skin water loss. Dressings provide protection against scratching, which leads to the formation of an itch-scratch cycle, preventing scratches that further increase itching, which improves skin healing. Cooling the surface of inflamed skin by evaporating water from the dressings helps reduce inflammation, itching, and soreness.

For severe eczema, wet wraps are prescribed in a medical facility. They can also be used at home to maintain good health or at the first sign of deterioration and reduce the need for medical attention and the likelihood of hospitalization.

There are various modifications of Wet Wrap Therapy, the essence of the method is the use of external drugs (emollients or steroids) under two layers of dressings. The bottom layer is warm and moist, on top of which a second dry layer is made. For a bandage, you can use a regular bandage, special tubular bandages or special clothing. The bottom layer must be periodically moistened with ordinary warm water, preventing it from drying out. The use of topical steroids under a wet dressing can increase the effectiveness of treatment. The procedure can be carried out 1-2 times a day, daily, during the period of exacerbation. With a decrease in exacerbation, the procedure can be done less frequently, conducting 1-2 times a week during the remission period. With good tolerance, the bandage with the medicine can be left overnight, remembering to periodically moisten the bottom layer of tissue.

The procedure takes quite a long time, and in the early stages (especially in patients with severe skin lesions) may require the participation of medical personnel. After training and improvement in the condition, the procedure can be continued at home.

Benefits of atopic dermatitis treatments

1. Wet wraps . Wet wraps make external therapy more effective by increasing the penetration of hormonal ointments or creams (topical steroids) into the deeper layers of the skin, better coverage of the skin surface with emollient components, reducing water loss and creating a mechanical obstacle to combing. This allows you to reduce the duration of use, use hormonal ointments of less activity, quickly reduce dry skin and itching. In some cases, it avoids the appointment of systemic therapy with corticosteroid hormones or immunosuppressive agents.
2. Immunosuppressive agents used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis may be topical (as ointments and creams) and systemic (as injections or tablets). Preparations of this group are used externally with insufficient effectiveness of corticosteroid hormones, with the localization of rashes in areas where the use of external hormonal ointments or creams is best avoided (for example, the face, large skin folds). In severe condition (large area of ​​skin lesions, lack of effect from previous treatment), drugs of this group can be administered orally under the strict supervision of a doctor. Immunosuppressive treatment allows you to quickly achieve improvement in the condition, reduce the frequency and duration of application of drugs to the skin (intensive and frequent use of ointments with a large area of ​​​​rashes can also be a factor that reduces the patient’s quality of life). It has fewer side effects than corticosteroids and therefore can be used effectively for a longer time.

How is atopic dermatitis treated at Rassvet Clinic?

In order to prescribe the necessary treatment, a dermatologist will examine your skin and ask questions about your condition. It is important to tell your doctor what factors you feel are causing the condition to worsen; what treatment you have already received before, whether it was effective; which medications worked best and which didn’t work.

The diagnosis of “atopic dermatitis” is established on the basis of a doctor’s examination; there are no specific laboratory diagnostic tests.

Additional studies may be required to clarify the form of the disease. If your doctor is in doubt as to whether your condition is consistent with the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, a diagnostic skin biopsy (removal of a piece of skin) and a histological examination (examination of the obtained material under a microscope) may be required.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis, depending on the severity of the condition, is carried out according to a stepwise scheme. This means that during periods of improvement, the intensity of treatment may decrease, and in case of deterioration or insufficient effect, more active methods of treatment are added.

Dermatologist Rassvet recommendations for patients with atopic dermatitis

Tips from a dermatologist for a patient with atopic dermatitis and eczema:

Avoid dry skin, use thick, emollient, unscented creams.

Try to exclude factors contributing to the deterioration of the skin condition in atopic dermatitis and eczema:

• dry skin not softened with creams
• heat and profuse sweating
• very dry air
• stress and anxiety
• abrupt change in air temperature
• harsh soaps and cleansers
• perfume
• woolen and synthetic fabrics

Author:

Voronina Vera Removna
dermatologist

Publication date: August 6, 2019

Update date: June 2, 2023

Facial rosacea: symptoms and treatment

In case of eye damage, an ophthalmologist’s consultation may be required.

What is rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is manifested by redness and the appearance of dilated vessels on the skin of the face; the appearance of red or pink, rising above the skin, rashes, which in typical cases are located in the central zone of the face (on the nose, chin, on the forehead and cheeks).

Rosacea can occur with periodic improvements and exacerbations.

Forms and complications of rosacea

Previously, several subtypes of the disease were distinguished in accordance with the most pronounced skin changes: erythemato-telangiectatic; papulo-pustular; phymatous; eye. The updated guidelines propose an individualized approach by assessing a set of skin changes in a particular patient.

Previously, conditions such as phimosis (thickening of tissues, usually on the skin of the nose) and eye lesions (ophthalmic rosacea) were considered complications of the disease. Currently, they are evaluated in the complex of detectable changes.

Causes

There are different opinions about the causes of rosacea. Vascular, immunological and hereditary mechanisms of the development of the disease are assumed, which are activated under the influence of various external influences. The starting role of microbes and microscopic mites living on the surface of the skin is considered; exposure to ultraviolet sunlight; possible influence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which lives in the gastrointestinal tract and causes some diseases of the digestive system. The role of bacteria that inhabit the body of mites that live on the surface of the skin and are normal is also discussed, since in most cases the presence of mites on the skin does not lead to adverse consequences for humans in most cases.

None of these factors fully explains the mechanism of the development of the disease, probably the combination of several is important.

The cause of rosacea can be even a short application of hormonal creams and ointments to the skin of the face. A more frequent combination of rosacea with some common diseases (inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, some tumors) was also revealed. Often rosacea occurs or worsens during menopause and menopause, in which case it may be useful to consult a gynecologist. However, such combinations do not occur in all patients, and the causal relationship remains unclear.

Symptoms of rosacea

• Reddening of the skin of the face
• Rashes
• Itching
• Feeling of discomfort and dryness.

Flow stages

Previously, it was believed that the disease develops according to the stages: redness of the skin, rashes, the formation of bumps and thickenings. Recent data show that the sequence of changes does not always follow a pattern and may differ from patient to patient.

Rosacea treatment

Depending on the individual characteristics of rosacea in a particular patient, agents are used that affect the state of blood vessels, inflammation, and skin microflora. In some cases, treatment is carried out using lasers or surgical techniques.

For all patients with rosacea, special skin care and the exclusion of provoking factors are required.

Features and benefits of rosacea treatment at Rassvet Clinic

Our clinic offers management of patients in accordance with the individual characteristics of rosacea, and not grouping according to previously recommended forms and stages of the disease. This allows for individualized treatment and skin care.

How rosacea is treated at Rassvet Clinic

Before prescribing the necessary treatment, the dermatologist will examine the skin and ask questions about your condition. Ask to talk about the factors that (subjectively) cause deterioration; previous treatment, its effectiveness; the action of drugs.

The diagnosis of rosacea is established on the basis of an examination by a dermatologist. There are no specific laboratory diagnostic tests.

If your doctor is in doubt as to whether your condition is consistent with a diagnosis of rosacea, a diagnostic skin biopsy and histological examination may be required.

At different stages of the disease, control of symptoms is achieved with the help of drugs with different mechanisms of action, they can be used for a long time. With a decrease in the effectiveness of drugs, the treatment regimen is adjusted by the attending physician.

The intensity of therapy may decrease as the condition improves.