Skin rashes, very sore, itchy

by Martin
(Bangkok)

It started about 10 months ago with a rash on my stomach spots, then spread to my hands and bottom of feet, sometimes small areas over body.

I have been living in Thailand for 7 years, fulltime no problem, till last year, when this started. I have been to many hospitals, doctors, but not stopped. Some days, gets better slightly others worse. They have given me creams, but it nearly heels up and starts again bad.

Latest cream supply by doctor here is Cholderm Cream, but works 2/3 days then reappears, badly?

I don't know heat affected, sweat zones, etc or what.

Please advise me, if you can help or treatment, I can try speak to Thai translation, doctors here. Medicine is very, different here.

It’s beginning to get me down now, can't hold touch things, open bottles, cans etc.


Please send me a reply with any advice.


Many thanks


Rash on hands

I am intrigued by the distribution of the rash on your hand that seems to be affecting the pressure areas with sparing of the rest of your hand. Do you do any specific manual tasks or put your hand on any metals or other materials?

I suspect this is eczema and this is why the steroid creams such as clocortolone cream seems to make it better for a few days and then you relapse.

Eczema is a relapsing condition and being a sufferer myself, I sympathise with you. I would suggest you look at possible triggers such as metals, foods (perhaps keep a food diary). Are you taking any drugs? You could look at trying coal tar soap which I find very effective and also you can get coal tar based emollients for your bath.

When you apply the cream to your hands, wrap your hands in either clingfilm or use polythene bags. This can be done before bedtime as this improves the effectiveness of the cream.

Let me know how you get on!