Skin infections

[gingecoll]

Hi, I have had diabetes for just over a year. Apart from depression the only problem I seem to be having is a repeated skin infection on the top side of both hands. I get what look like tiny blisters that then become weeping sores. It will get worse over a couple of weeks and then disappear only to Re-occur a few weeks later. My doctor has tried various topical creams and my hand hygiene is almost clinical in an attempt to stop it but nothing worked.
After an appointment for my feet to be checked I was told I had athletes foot. I got some Lamycl once and applied. Once finished I rubbed my hands as though washing as instructed and the next day this hand infection was almost gone. After 48 hours it was no more and 2 months later. I told my doctor about this but he dismissed it as coincidental and that "tinea pedis (the fungus) can not occur on the hands"
Has anybody else suffered these hand skin infections? What treatment was successful?

 

[Brunneria]

I have no experience on this (except for a single bout of Athletes foot picked up at the gy,m, years ago), but try doing a search on fungal infections on the forum, and see what turns up.

Although I doubt if your doctor is right - skin is skin, and if fungal infections can occur on the skin of the foot, why on earth can't they occur or spread to other areas of skin?

 

[noblehead]

Just be pleased it's cleared up. I've had Athletes Foot before and it bothered me for years, for reasons unknown it just cleared up on it's own and I've not been bothered for a few years now.

The best advice for Athletes Foot is to keep the feet clean, dry well and wear cotton socks, when sitting on a night watching telly and such let the air at your feet, the fungus thrives in warm moist conditions.

 

[Adele99]

My podiatrist told me she thought I had athletes foot last year. Spent a fortune buying and trying Every product on the market for months to no avail. Then my foot which were itching like mad broke out in small vesicles like blisters which started to bleed. Also started on the palms of my hands and sides of my fingers.

GP referred me to the Dermatologist because my circulation is so poor and my feet were in bother. Skin scraping showed it wasn't athletes foot at all but some form of dermatitis, there's a name for it. It can't remember it , something like dermatitis dihydrdrosis which is linked to sweating. But they now know that it isn't caused by this. It's peculiar in that it only develops on feet and hands as a rule.

Prescribed Lotriderm cream a prescription strength steroid and anti fungal and the blisters practically healed overnight, the itching stopped, I call it a miracle cream as I'd put up with this for several months. For maintenance I have to apply Doublebase moisturiser twice per day, if I forget it quickly returns. Dermatologist said moisturise, moisturise then moisturise again. Also have to keep sanding dead skin off soles of feet and hands. But keeps it under control for me anyway.

Incidentally you can get athletes foot on the hands . But if like me the product for athletes foot don't work it might be the same as I had

 

[izzzi]

In some cases depression can cause skin irritations, I was told never to use soap or scented products on my skin.
There is also skin reaction to many.textile fibres, chemical additives and dyes etc;
If Daz gets near my skin all hell lets loose.

Best of luck and hope all get better for you.

 

[gingecoll]

Thanks all for your replies. My main concern for my hands is that it's very unsightly, I get sick of people asking what's wrong with them, not only that but in shops I see cashier's giving me my change grimace at the sight of them. I just hope it doesn't return!

 

[Brunneria]

Thanks all for your replies. My main concern for my hands is that it's very unsightly, I get sick of people asking what's wrong with them, not only that but in shops I see cashier's giving me my change grimace at the sight of them. I just hope it doesn't return!

Ummm... Not wishing to sound critical... But if there is the slightest chance that your hands are infectious (or may pick up infection through your open, weeping sores), then why aren't you wearing gloves while out in public?

 

[gingecoll]

That

Ummm... Not wishing to sound critical... But if there is the slightest chance that your hands are infectious (or may pick up infection through your open, weeping sores), then why aren't you wearing gloves while out in public?

That's just it I don't go out in public when the sores are open and weeping. Once they scab up I feel I can go out but they look just as bad in this state. As for infectious, if they were my family would have the same. As for infection, I keep them clean and use medical alcohol wipes on them as well as foaming antibacterial spray which evaporates.

 

[Patricia21]

I get contact dermatitis very often on my hands,just as you discribe,Its a case of finding out the detergents you are in contact with and which affects them,I use lined rubber gloves for cleaning,I also cream my hands and use white cotten gloves .
Medical alcohol wipes would start them off ,also the hand cleaning fluids in hospitals.
I have Betnovate from my Dr but i only use it if its realy bad as constant use makes your skin thin and more prone.
I have had it on and off for years,nothing to do with diabetes.
I went on a cruise in January and all hand rails were constantly disinfected ,also alchol wash for hands in entering dining room,I had a real bad time with my hands,It took weeks to clear.
Look at the soap and detergents you are using,and be careful of the wipes,I find Dove soap to be good.