Is this pompholyx?

[BrimfulOfBaba]

Hopefully attaching some photos!

Unbearably itchy/sore/burning bumps mainly on my fingers (especially on the sides) and all over my palms (though those aren't as itchy). It sounds silly but I really feel so itchy it's driving me mad! Developing similar bumps on my feet now too.

Have looked at past threads on pompholyx and wanted to see if that's definitely what this is - I can't get through to my GP. Started with two blisters yesterday which spread. No itch before they appeared.

I've also had some cold sores erupt under and inside my nose for the first time ever so wasn't sure if they were related.

Smearing on hydrocortisone but its not touching the unbearable burning itch!

Looks like mine, it always starts around the nail beds on my hands and sides of my feet. I also pop the blisters with a clean pin, apply hydrocortisone cream every hour or so, I have one with lidocaine I got from the GP for something else that I use which really helps. Best thing I ever got was a stronger hydrocortisone OTC when I was in America but can't get it here. It's always worse in summer, rarely get any bumps in the colder months, I'm all clear at the moment and this year has been better than most as it hasn't been that hot for long periods. When I went to Florida I could barely walk my feet were so bad. It's horrible.

My husband and son had exactly these symptoms and it was hand, foot and mouth.

@BrimfulOfBaba, if you're on Reddit, the sub r/dyshidrosis is a good support for people with pompholyx!

I forgot to mention that I also did potassium permanganate soaks when my hands flared up, which helped.

Currently waiting for a Dr to see if it's hand foot and mouth. Glam times!

@BeautyGoesToBenidorm thank you! Just joined now :)

Hi all- Dr evaluated the whole thing and it's actually most likely hand, foot and mouth disease. Thought I would update in case anyone else has similar symptoms. What I thought were cold sores were not.

I hope it's HFM, and that it clears soon!
If not, and it turns out to be pompholyx, then rubbing absolutely makes it worse! Stop rubbing! Hard I know!

Thanks @picklemewalnuts!

That interesting, I've only ever seen one adult with hfm and they were ILL.
Never heard of hfm burning with an itch.

@Theredjellybean the GP I saw said she's seen lots of cases this year - adults with rashes up to their elbows and thighs. We discussed for a while whether it could be pompholyx or HFM but she pointed out my 'bumps' were under the skin and not filled with fluid.

I've been pretty ill - my husband and MIL have been vomiting, I've been the only one to get rashes and impetigo. It wasn't cold sores after all on my face, it's impetigo, which is now also all over my scalp. Lovely! The sores in my mouth have started to appear too, which confirms it.