I have this condition and i have it to the point that my dermatologyst put me on prednesone. (sorry, I'm horrible at spelling) my case was the worse my emergency hospital has ever seen also. my question to you is...are you sure covering it up is a good thing? as my dermatologys says that it's very bad for it, as it can cause the wounds to wheep and tear and what not. with mine, i did try to cover my hands some times as I work in a kitchen but i found it only made it worse. also one more question....is there a study conducted on this to say its hereditary? or maby you found out somehow? I'd be interested in reading about it as I thought it was not hereditary given the info from a few docs.