Dyshidrotic eczema is an abnormal and rare skin problem affecting the palms and fingers. It is marked by the presence of small blisters on the palms and on the sides of the fingers. This condition will last for 3-4 weeks and it will cause severe itching. When the blisters become dry, the skin will recover slowly and form scaly patches. In many cases, the blisters will recur after the healing of previous blisters. Dyshidrotic eczema also known as dyshidrosis can be treated using topical creams and ointments and in more severe forms steroids are used for managing blisters.
Symptoms :
Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by the presence of blisters on the palms and fingers. For some people it can appear on the soles of the feet. The blisters or lesions are small measuring the size of pencil head and often they occur in groups. For some people, the blisters join together to form large sized blisters.
It would cause intense irritation and itchiness. It may cause severe pain for some people. After 2-3 weeks, the blisters will weather off leaving redness and scaly patches on the skin. Often, this skin problem tends to recur many times on the same person. In severe complications dyshidrosis can cause intense itching with pain. It can increase the bacterial infection which may spread to other parts of the skin.
Causes :
Dyshidrotic eczema can be caused when a person gets stressed or due to long exposure to certain chemicals like cobalt, chromium or nickel in workplace. People who are often getting rash are prone to get dyshidrosis when they come into direct contact with irritant chemicals. Individuals with atopic eczema can develop this disorder.
Some believe that this type of skin blisters is caused due to autoimmune disorder wherein the body’s own immune system attacks the healthy cells of the skin, forming pus filled blisters.
Diagnoses :
Physical examination of the symptoms is enough to diagnose dyshidrotic eczema. No other lab tests are available for confirming this disease.
Treatment :
Your doctor will first determine the intensity of symptoms like irritation and pain and accordingly give treatment. Corticosteroids are given for reducing pain. It is given in the form of topical creams for removal of blisters. You need to wrap the affected area with plastic bandage so that the skin absorbs the medicine easily.
You can also use wet compression on the affected area after application of topical ointments. Corticosteroids are given in the form of oral pills to manage blisters and itching. However it can produce side effects, if used for long term.
Light therapy is given for treating dyshidrotic eczema if it does not respond to other therapy. Exposure to powerful UV rays can make the skin more responsive and it reduces the formation of new blisters on the affected area. In case the disorder is caused due to weakened immunity, medications are given to suppress the immune system. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are effective in these cases.
Recently people have started taking Botulinum injections for treating severe kind of dyshidriotic eczema. It is very effective in managing the symptoms but you need to take injections repeatedly for keeping it under control.
Lifestyle Changes :
You can use antihistamine drugs like Benadryl or Claritin or alavert for reducing itching sensation. Apply wet compress on the affected portion of the skin will reduce pain and itching.
Pictures of Dyshidrotic Eczema :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Prevention :
It is difficult to prevent the formation of dyshidrotic eczema. But one can manage stress and stay away from the exposure of heavy chemicals for not getting blisters on the palms.