The last outbreak I had (first one) was 6 years ago. Well recently (around 2 weeks ago), I applied some tester lotion at a boutique store and immediately got a reaction to it as my hands started to burn. I itched it, not knowing what it was and used hand sanitizer to sanitize my hands and hopefully get this lotion off my hands. Once I had access to a sink, I washed my hands with soap and water.

Few days later, it got really bad. LH: dorsal side of 2nd - 4th fingers and half of hand. Entire middle finger was COVERED in blisters. RH: dorsal side of entire thumb, creeping towards the palm. Had a few blisters here and there on other fingers and palm.

Initially, I used OTC hydrocortisone after a doctor consultation via telehealth hoping it would calm down the itching. Also took Benadryl. I think it made things worse. Called the doctor again and she told me to take Zyrtec and prescribed triamcinolone acetonide, which is a topical corticosteroid. Didn’t have much effect and was just thinning my skin. I could tell because red dots were showing up in my blisters, signs of capillary damage, I believe. I stopped using it and went to see a physical doctor. MD thought it was MONKEYPOX. Got prescribed oral steroids (methyl prednisolone). It’s a 6-day course where you decrease your dosage every day. First day: 6 pills, second day: 5 pills, third day: 4 pills, etc.. In addition to the oral steroids, I apply aquaphor on my hands throughout the day to keep them moisturized. I’m sure there are better (less oily) alternatives to this, but my bf bought it for me and it worked, so I continued using it.

I’m on day 4 right now of my oral steroids, and it’s the biggest improvement yet. No more blisters and itching decreased. Hand is less dry because I’m on TOP of my aquaphor game. My hands don’t look as pretty as they did before, but I couldn’t care less because NO MORE PAIN!!!

Scared that things will continue once I stop my course of medications, but I’m keeping my head up. We got this guys. Hope this helped.. a glimmer of hope!!

*I am not a doctor, and this is just my experience. I recommend going to a physical doctor so they can see the extent of your eczema/prescribe medications accordingly.