What is Dyshidrotic Eczema?
Dyshidrotic Eczema is a chronic skin condition that involves itching and burning. If your case is severe, then it may cause your skin to blister very badly. It tends to develop in people that are around the age of 20 to 40, although it can happen to anyone. It affects the sides of your fingers, your palms, and also the soles of your feet.
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis and is actually very common. It causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed, which leads to the inflamed cells invading your epidermis; the outer layer of the skin. Dyshidrotic Eczema is a form of eczema that can range from mild to severe. Sometimes something as simple as lotion can provide relief and sometimes it goes away in just a couple of weeks without being treated.
Causes of This Type of Eczema
- While experts are unsure of the exact cause of Dyshidrotic Eczema, there are some factors that can increase the risk of developing or having it. These factors include:
- having a history of atopic dermatitis
- allergies
- exposure to irritants and allergens
- UV radiation
- smoking
- overactive sweat glands
- extreme temperatures (both hot & cold)
- overly dry or humid air
- stress
It’s important to be aware of these factors that can trigger flare-ups and worsening of the symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema.
Symptoms
The first sign of Dyshidrotic Eczema is usually itching on the soles of the feet, the sides of your fingers, and the palms. Some little fluid-filled blisters, also called vesicles, may sometimes appear. The vesicles will cause intense pain and itching, and they may grow in size. In more severe cases, the symptoms of this particular type of eczema can greatly affect daily life. The blisters will typically last a couple of weeks before drying up and then flaking away.
Dyshidrotic Eczema is most likely to affect the hands than it is the feet, although in the majority of cases it affects both. The symptoms of this form of eczema can lead to more severe symptoms over time, such as:
- peeling and scaling skin
- cracks in the skin
- hard and reddened skin
- changes in the coloration of the nails
Diagnosing This Eczema Type
A dermatologist or general practice doctor can diagnose you. Dermatologists specialize in skin conditions and diseases, which is why seeing a dermatologist is your best bet to get a proper diagnosis. They will ask you about your history and health and the symptoms that you have been experiencing.
There will be a physical exam and you should mention any irritants that you may have come into contact with. Your doctor will make sure that the symptoms you have are not caused by something else. They may also perform tests such as a biopsy, skin scraping, blood tests, or skin patch testing.
Treatment for Dyshidrotic Eczema
There are many things that can be used to treat your eczema. Moisturizing creams and lotions can help prevent flare-ups by hydrating dry skin. Steroid ointments and calcineurin creams can reduce the inflammation of your skin. Oral steroid medications treat symptoms that are more severe.
Your doctor may choose to drain blisters that are very large in order to help reduce any pain. If none of this helps your eczema, then your doctor will check for other possible causes for the symptoms you’re experiencing.
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