Dyshidrosis (Dyshidrotic Eczema)

Blisters and itchy skin are symptoms of the common skin disorder known as dyshidrotic eczema. Doctors are unsure of what causes it. Allergies, tension, and regularly wet or perspiring hands and feet are examples of triggers. Home remedies, therapies, and prescription medications are all examples of effective treatments.

OVERVIEW

Dry, scaly skin patches with blisters are a symptom of dyshidrotic eczema. These signs often appear on your hands and feet.

Dyshidrotic eczema: What is it?

A chronic (long-lasting) skin disorder called dyshidrotic eczema results in tiny blisters and dry, itchy skin. It typically appears on your hands, feet, and fingernails. Dyshidrosis, acute palmoplantar eczema, vesiculobullous dermatitis, and pompholyx are other names for dyshidrotic eczema.

Who is affected by dyshidrotic eczema?

One may get dyshidrotic eczema at any age. But it often affects people:

• Between 20 and 40 years old.
• Female
• With eczema in their family or on their own bodies
• Has a history of contact dermatitis in the family or on one’s own person
• Whoever contacts an antigen, a foreign material that triggers an allergic response, get allergic reactions
• They get injections of immunoglobulin. For those with immunological deficiencies, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an infusion of antibodies

About 50% of persons with dyshidrotic eczema have allergic responses when they come in contact with an antigen. Because they interact with particular antigens, such as nickel and cobalt in jewelry, more often than persons designated male at birth, researchers believe that patients with dyshidrotic eczema may be more likely to be female.

In clinical or occupational settings, dyshidrotic eczema makes up about 5% to 20% of all hand dermatitis cases.

How does my body respond to dyshidrotic eczema?

The skin around your hands, fingers, and foot soles might develop dyshidrotic eczema.

Blisters or pimples on your skin that resemble tapioca pearls may appear. These blisters normally have a diameter of one to two millimeters. The blisters could combine to create a single, sizable blister.

Your blisters may become scaly and cracked after they have dried up.

SIGNIFICANCE AND CAUSES

Which signs and symptoms accompany dyshidrotic eczema?

Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema fluctuate in intensity. For many weeks at a time, these symptoms could persist. The following are the most typical signs of dyshidrotic eczema:

• Your fingers, soles, and palm sides all have little, hard blisters
• Aching blisters
• Skin that is scaly and itchy on or around your blisters
• Sweating more heavily around your blisters
• Blisters that form on dry, cracked skin disappear

If you scratch your hands, feet, and fingers a lot, the skin on those areas may get thicker. Large blisters or regions of blisters have the potential to get infected.

Why does dyshidrosis occur?

Researchers and healthcare professionals are unsure of the precise etiology of dyshidrosis. Flare-ups of dyshidrosis may be brought on by a variety of factors, including:

Immune system activation: People with dyshidrotic eczema have immune system reactions to very mild allergens or irritants. This response may cause skin inflammation.

Allergies: Dyshidrotic eczema may be brought on by exposure to specific compounds, such as cement, nickel, cobalt, and chromium. Flare-ups may also be brought on by other allergens, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or food allergies.

Moisture: Dyshidrotic eczema may be brought on by often sweaty or moist hands or feet.

Is dyshidrosis contagious?

Blisters from dyshidrosis may enlarge and extend to the backs of your fingers, palms, and feet in more severe instances. They won’t spread to other bodily sections.

Is dyshidrotic eczema spread through contact?

It is impossible to spread dyshidrotic eczema. It cannot be transmitted to someone else.

If you scratch blisters, you run the risk of breaking the skin, which may spread diseases. Call your healthcare practitioner if your blisters get infected. They could advise taking antibiotics to get rid of your illness.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of dyshidrotic eczema

Your skin’s damaged regions will be examined by your doctor. They could inquire as to your level of stress or if you have a personal or family history of dyshidrotic eczema. They could also inquire as to whether you’ve lately begun consuming new meals, wearing new jewelry, or utilizing new skin care products.

What examinations will be performed to identify dyshidrotic eczema?

To confirm their diagnosis or rule out other illnesses, such as contact dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, and hand, foot, and mouth disease, your healthcare practitioner may do a number of tests. The tests might consist of:

• Anaphylaxis test
• Biopsy
• Blood test

CONTROL AND TREATMENT

How is dyshidrotic eczema treated?

For many individuals, treating dyshidrotic eczema at home begins with a skin care regimen. Among the services provided at home are:

• When washing your hands, use warm water rather than hot water
• For symptom relief, soak your hands and feet in cold water
• Whenever necessary, use cold compresses to soothe itching and discomfort. Hold a clean washcloth on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes after soaking it in cold water. Apply moisturizer right away after letting some of the water partly drain (air dry). Repeat for three to four times a day
• Frequently applying moisturizer to dry skin each day can help
• Dry your hands and feet completely after bathing or swimming
• Avoid wearing gloves, socks, or shoes if at all feasible. If necessary, dress in loose-fitting shoes, cotton or wool socks, and gloves that resist or absorb moisture

OTC treatments like topical corticosteroid creams or ointments that you apply directly to your skin may be advised by your doctor. They could also advise using water-soluble oral antihistamines like cetirizine or fexofenadine. These drugs aid in reducing itchiness and inflammation.

How is dyshidrotic eczema treated with prescription drugs or therapies?

Your doctor may prescribe or suggest the following medicines or therapies to assist with your symptoms if you have more severe dyshidrotic eczema:

• Systemic corticosteroids: Your doctor may recommend an oral corticosteroid like prednisone, if corticosteroid creams or ointments are unable to ease your symptoms.
• Non-steroidal immunosuppresive medications: Because prolonged use of oral steroids may be harmful, your doctor may advise you to take drugs like methotrexate tablets, mychophenolate tablets, or dupilumab injections, among others.
• UVB light, which is often used in phototherapy, is produced by specific lamps. Certain skin conditions, such as dyshidrotic eczema, might benefit from the UV light waves in the light. In those with darker skin, UVB may result in lifelong dark patches (hyperpigmentation), therefore it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if you have darker skin.

What treatment for dyshidrotic eczema works the quickest?

You have a special body. A daily skin care regimen and over-the-counter drugs may work well for you, or you may need prescription-strength corticosteroid creams or ointments like clobetasol.

Treatment for dyshidrotic eczema often results in resolution, although recurrence is possible. To alleviate your symptoms, you may need to stick to a strict skin care regimen at home or keep taking your medicine.

PREVENTION

How is dyshidrotic eczema avoided?

There is no way to stop dyshidrotic eczema. It’s a lifelong medical issue that may flare up and down.

PERSPECTIVE / PROGNOSIS

If I have dyshidrotic eczema, what can I anticipate?

You may take steps to lessen your chance of flare-ups if you have dyshidrotic eczema. You can control your symptoms with a healthy skin care regimen and medications like antihistamines. As required, further treatments, such as phototherapy, might be beneficial.

LIFE WITH DYSHIDROSIS

How can I look after myself?

Even though dyshidrotic eczema might be difficult to manage, many individuals do.

Dyshidrotic eczema may appear just once in your life and never return, or it may recur periodically. Occasionally, your dyshidrotic eczema may go away. Remission periods are what they are known as. The goal of an effective skin care regimen and therapy is to stop flare-ups and lengthen remission times.

Avoiding the causes of dyshidrotic eczema is important, as are moisturizing your skin, taking your medication, and according to your doctor’s instructions.

There are a few things you can do to make your blisters more comfortable, such as:

• Use a gentle soap and water to gently wash the affected areas
• Use an antibiotic cream or ointment
• Use gauze or a bandage to protect the parts that are injured
• At least once per day, replace your bandages

The temptation to burst your blisters is real. It would be preferable if you didn’t break or peel off your blisters, however. Your blisters’ skin serves as an infection barrier for the deeper layers of your skin.

When should I schedule a visit with my doctor?

As soon as you see blisters on your hands, fingers, or feet, contact your healthcare practitioner.

What questions should I ask my physician?

• What signs do I have of dyshidrotic eczema?
• What else may I have besides dyshidrotic eczema as a skin condition?
• Do you have any creams or ointments you might recommend?
• What prescription drugs do you suggest?
• What home remedies do you suggest?
• Do you have a particular moisturizer brand that you suggest?
• Should I see a dermatologist or any other kind of expert?

Overview

Itchy and uncomfortable dyshidrotic eczema is a frequent skin ailment. You may just experience it once, or you could experience it intermittently throughout your life. If you develop itchy skin and severe blisters, see your doctor. In mild instances of dyshidrotic eczema, over-the-counter lotions, ointments, and medicines may be used. Prescription drugs or other treatments may be necessary for dyshidrotic eczema in more severe situations. The effects of dyshidrotic eczema may be lessened with a good skin care regimen.