Painful Red Bumps on Hands

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1. Hand Eczema (Dermatitis)

  • Description: Dry, scaly, and painful hands with red bumps or blisters.
  • Triggers: Frequent exposure to water, detergents, chemicals, or allergens.
  • Symptoms: Burning, itching, painful cracks, bleeding, or oozing skin.
  • Management:
    • Avoid irritants (detergents, solvents, latex gloves).
    • Use fragrance-free moisturizers and barrier creams.
    • Dermatologists may prescribe corticosteroid creams for flare-ups.

2. Fungal Infections

  • Description: Small red bumps, often itchy, appearing around fingernails or palms.
  • Risk Factors: Diabetes, weakened immunity.
  • Symptoms: Scaling, crusting, and sometimes pus-filled lesions.
  • Management:
    • Antifungal creams or oral medications.
    • Keep hands dry and clean.

3. Scabies

  • Description: Caused by mites burrowing under the skin.
  • Symptoms: Tiny red bumps, intense itching, burrows between fingers.
  • Management:
    • Prescription creams (5% permethrin).
    • Treat all close contacts to prevent reinfection.

4. Allergic or Irritant Contact Dermatitis

  • Description: Reaction to soaps, detergents, metals, or chemicals.
  • Symptoms: Red, itchy, painful bumps or rash.
  • Management:
    • Identify and avoid the irritant.
    • Use mild soaps and protective gloves.

5. Autoimmune and Chronic Conditions

  • Dermatomyositis: Purple or red rash on knuckles, linked to muscle weakness.
  • Granuloma Annulare: Ring-shaped lesions, sometimes itchy.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Red bumps around joints, with fatigue and fever.
  • Psoriasis: Raised, scaly patches that may affect nails.

6. Other Causes

  • Folliculitis: Infection of hair follicles, causing red pimples or pus-filled bumps.
  • Insect Bites: Painful, itchy bumps from mosquitoes, bees, or other insects.
  • Cellulitis: A serious bacterial infection causing painful swelling and redness.

When to Seek Medical Help

  • Bumps that do not improve within 1–2 weeks.
  • Severe pain, swelling, or spreading rash.
  • Signs of infection (pus, fever, oozing).
  • If you have a weakened immune system or underlying conditions like diabetes.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep hands moisturized and avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Wear gloves when cleaning or handling irritants.
  • Maintain good hygiene and avoid scratching bumps.
  • Stay hydrated and protect hands from extreme weather.

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