Dry, cracked, or itchy hands are a typical occurrence when the outer layer of your skin is broken. When this rash is accompanied by small, fluid-filled blisters on the perimeters of the toes and sometimes on the feet, it could indicate a skin condition called dyshidrotic eczema. In fact, this condition accounts for five% to twenty% of hand eczema cases.
What is dyshidrotic eczema?
Dyshidrotic eczema, also referred to as pompholex, is a skin condition that causes very itchy, watery blisters on the hands and feet. Dyshidrotic eczema is a subset of eczema. Skin eruptions may occur in individuals with a history of eczema, or in response to skin irritation.
Signs and symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema
Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the perimeters of the fingers or toes and sometimes affect either side of the body. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Known as small fluid-filled bumps. vesicles Often described as having a “tapioca-like” appearance.
- Blisters
- Intense itching or a prickly sensation, often before the rash appears.
- Peeling and discoloration of the skin after blistering and drying.
Symptoms often appear suddenly, and reoccurrence is common. Over time, the affected skin may turn out to be red, thick, and cracked. Skin infections might also occur, often presenting as weepy skin with yellow crusting.
Common triggers of dyshidrotic eczema
The reason behind dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. It is usually seen in individuals with a history of eczema and in relation to certain triggers.
Factors often related to dyshidrotic eczema include:
- Exposure to metals, equivalent to nickel or cobalt
- Exposure to irritating chemicals, equivalent to those with certain occupations (eg, metalworkers and hairdressers)
- Excessive sweating
- smoking
- Exposure to ultraviolet light
- hot weather
- Stress
Treatment Options for Dyshidrotic Eczema
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be found to treat dyshidrotic eczema. First-line therapy often involves topical eczema creams or ointments which are applied to the skin. Your dermatologist may prescribe oral and injectable medications in severe cases.
Treatment options include:
- Topical corticosteroids equivalent to betamethasone and clobetasol
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors equivalent to pimecrolimus and tacrolimus
- Short courses of oral corticosteroids
- Oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors equivalent to upadacitinib and baricitinib
- dupilumab, an injectable drug used to treat eczema;
- Oral immunosuppressive drugs equivalent to methotrexate
- Phototherapy
If you observed a skin infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Episodes of dyshidrotic eczema often resolve inside a couple of weeks, even without treatment. For most individuals, the condition improves over time and eventually stops.
Prevention and management of dyshidrotic eczema flare-ups: practical suggestions
Although treatment options can assist manage episodic flares of dyshidrotic eczema, there isn’t any cure for the skin condition. You can manage your symptoms and forestall flare-ups by making some lifestyle changes and adopting good skin habits. Practical suggestions include:
- Keep skin clean, dry and moisturized. Gently wash your hands and feet and dry them thoroughly. Apply moisturizers (emollients) day by day and after each hand wash.
- Learn proper hand washing techniques. Remove all jewelry and rings before washing your hands. Soap and water can get stuck under jewelry and cause irritation. Wash hands in lukewarm water using an unscented, soap-free cleanser. Hot water, excessive hand washing, and harsh soaps can dry out the skin, as can alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Identify triggers and avoid them. Direct exposure to allergens and irritants in your skin can trigger flare-ups. Avoid them when possible, or wear gloves to stop direct contact along with your hands.
- Protect your hands with gloves. When performing tasks equivalent to washing dishes, wear cotton gloves under water-resistant gloves (equivalent to vinyl gloves). Wear protective gloves for cooking, cleansing, gardening, and outdoors in cold weather.
- Manage stress. Emotional stress could cause flare-ups. Try stress management techniques equivalent to respiratory exercises, meditation or exercise. Or talk over with a therapist.
Home Remedies to Relieve Dyshidrotic Eczema
Flare-ups of dyshidrotic eczema may recur despite preventive strategies. You can try various home remedies and natural remedies for relief. For example:
- Vaseline (white petrolatum): Apply a skinny layer to hands at night, then cover with cotton gloves.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera helps moisturize and soften the skin, while also providing antibacterial advantages. But avoid gels containing aloe vera, as gels often contain other ingredients that may trigger eczema. Pure aloe vera and creams containing aloe vera are higher decisions.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Available in each pure powder form, which might be added to hot baths, or as a key ingredient in a moisturizer, colloidal oatmeal can assist protect the skin barrier and the balance of bacteria in your skin.
- Virgin Coconut Oil: Provides each moisturizing and anti inflammatory advantages, which may improve eczema.
- Diluted bleach soaks: Diluted warm water bleach baths or soaks can assist treat and forestall bacterial infections and reduce eczema flare-ups. Soak affected areas for five to 10 minutes twice every week, using one teaspoon of 6% bleach for each gallon of warm water.
- Wet wrap: In case of severe itching, moisturizer might be applied to the skin after which wrapped in a moist cotton cloth, followed by a dry cotton cloth. Change the wet wrap every few hours or leave it on overnight.
Dyshidrotic eczema on the feet: specific considerations
Although dyshidrotic eczema is more common on the hands, it’s estimated that as much as 25% of individuals suffer from dyshidrotic eczema on the feet. Common aspects that contribute to flare-ups of dyshidrotic eczema on the feet include:
- Excessive sweat and humidity
- Excessive friction on the feet, equivalent to from wearing tight-fitting shoes
- Shoe materials equivalent to leather, rubber, glues and adhesives
- Some chemicals utilized in leather processing.
Practical suggestions to assist dyshidrotic eczema on the feet include:
- Wear socks and shoes fabricated from breathable materials that allow air to flow into, equivalent to cotton, mesh, hemp or canvas.
- If socks get wet, change them throughout the day.
- Choose shoes with minimal seams and an open toe box to stop chafing and chafing.
- Avoid tight fitting shoes. Consider ones which are adjustable, which may enable you control how well they fit.
- If possible, search for moisture-resistant shoes, or wear sandals.
If you possibly can't discover your triggers, or your symptoms worsen despite treatment, see a dermatologist. Your doctor may test for a fungal infection, or test for allergies to discover specific triggers.