Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic Eczema is a skin condition that is associated with small blisters on the hands and feet. These blisters are often found on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. There are other names for this condition; foot and hand eczema, dyshidrosis, pompholyx, and others. 

There is no known cure for dyshidrotic eczema but the blisters will often come and go over time. This condition can be managed with medicine and there are also moisturizers and good hygiene habits that can prevent flare-ups. 

Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema

The number one symptom of this type of eczema is small blisters. The following symptoms can accompany these blisters or start before they form:

• Red and cracked skin
• Nails changing colour
• Itching or burning sensation before blisters appear

Blisters will likely go in a few weeks, but some symptoms can stick around for a while after they’ve gone. This type of eczema can be mild to severe and it can potentially make it painful to walk (if blisters are on your feet) or hands (if blisters are on your fingers or palms). 

Scratching these blisters can potentially lead to infection – so it’s important to try and minimize this if you can. The signs of an infected blister are pain, swelling, pus in the blisters, and crusting. 

What causes Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Doctors and researchers aren’t sure what causes this type of eczema. It affects a lot of adults around the ages of 20 to 40 years old and it appears to be more common in women than men. People who suffer from allergies such as hay fever may also be more likely to suffer from this condition. 

Dyshidrotic Eczema triggers:

• Stress
• Contact with some materials or metals (Like nickel, cobalt, or chromium salts)
• Sweating in the hands and feet
• Seasonal allergies
• Immunoglobulin treatments (treatments for weaker immune systems)

Dyshidrotic Eczema diagnosis

A dermatologist will most likely examine your hands and feet for blisters to determine if you suffer from this condition. They will want to rule out other potential types of eczema or other conditions like athlete’s foot before diagnosing you. 

You might also need to confirm if you have allergies to certain types of metals like nickel. 

Dyshidrotic Eczema treatment

Your doctor will often prescribe emollients or corticosteroid-based creams that can help you manage and control this type of eczema. Lotions and emollients can help to manage the condition in the long term and prevent flare-ups of blisters. Corticosteroid creams are usually prescribed to help treat blisters. 

You can also help to prevent blisters by practicing good hygiene habits. You should wash your hands and feet every day, and take off any jewelry – especially rings – when you wash your hands. You can apply moisturizer on your hands and feet while washing to help trap moisture in the skin. 

Finally – while it’s not always possible, you should do your best to stay away from materials or situations that trigger your eczema and if you do get blisters, try your best not to scratch them.