By Davan 
One type of skin condition people suffer from is dyshidrotic eczema, which is prevalent in the spring. Although this condition isn’t curable, it is manageable and can be kept under control. The symptoms are small, itchy blisters.Eczema refers to a group of diseases that cause skin inflammation, often known as dermatitis. As per statistics, eczema affects an estimated 35 million people in the States only. Around seventy percent of these cases include children under the age of five.During a flare-up, the skin becomes red, itchy, and swollen with fluid-filled bumps that may ooze and crust. The most common triggers of eczema are allergic reactions, but it can also be genetic. Eczema isn’t contagious.
One of the most common forms, as stated previously, is dyshidrotic eczema.
Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx) is a chronic, recurrent skin condition that causes itching and often appears symmetrically on the palms, fingers, and soles. It is marked by small, deep-seated vesicles measuring 1–2 mm, which eventually resolve with scaling after a few weeks.There is some disagreement about the exact terminology and definitions, but this condition is also referred to as pompholyx, acute and recurrent vesicular hand dermatitis, acute palmoplantar eczema, vesicular endogenous eczema, cheiropompholyx (when affecting the hands), podopompholyx or pedopompholyx (when affecting the feet), and cheiropodopompholyx.
Of course, not every inflammation of the skin is related to this type of eczema, so before you even start treatment make sure you are properly diagnosed.Some of the most common symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema are:Deep-set blisters on hands and feet (specifically on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet)ItchingRednessFlakingScaly, cracked skinPainPeople with contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, or hay fever are at a higher risk of developing dyshidrotic eczema. Sadly, it has a tendency to get infected, which delays the healing process.
Although there is no cure and no surefire way to prevent flare-ups from taking place, an effective skincare routine can bolster your skin’s resistance to inflammation.The most conventional treatment for dyshidrotic eczema are creams, which likely include corticosteroid creams or ointment or a prescribed injection or pill.Other treatments include:UV light treatmentsdraining large blistersantihistaminesvarious anti-itch creamsimmune-suppressing ointments, such as Protopic and Elidel
Besides these conventional methods, there are also natural ways of treating and soothing the condition. Generally, maintaining clean and moisturized skin is one of the most effective methods for managing eczema. The type of treatment and its frequency will depend on your specific symptoms, but these natural, at-home approaches enable you to feel confident about the products you use on your skin.Cold CompressesTo reduce the inflammation of the skin, soak the affected area and apply cold compresses for 15 minutes. Repeat this process two to four times throughout the day and then apply moisturizer to the affected area for maximum effectiveness.
Aloe VeraRenowned for its ability to soothe irritated skin and accelerate the healing process, aloe vera can help reduce the symptoms of eczema. For best results, break off a piece of the plant and apply the thick gel directly to your inflamed skin. Alternatively, you can purchase a bottle of natural aloe vera lotion from your local pharmacy.
OatmealDue to its proven anti-inflammatory properties, oatmeal is often used to alleviate skin conditions, including dyshidrotic eczema. Applying oatmeal directly to irritated skin can help reduce eczema symptoms, leaving your skin feeling healthy and soothed.
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, dyshidrosis, or palmoplantar eczema, is a skin condition in which blisters develop on your soles, palms, or fingers.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a chronic condition that causes blisters that can appear as tiny bumps on fingers or grow together to cover larger areas on the hands and feet. They’re usually very itchy and may contain fluid.
Keep reading to learn more about dyshidrotic eczema, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. Sweat commonly triggers the condition, although experts do not know precisely why.
People with dyshidrotic eczema may have a hypersensitivity to:
- metal, particularly cobalt or nickel
- a specific ingredient in a soap, moisturizer, or other personal care product
- certain medications, such as birth control or aspirin
- smoking tobacco
- an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion
Other common triggers include stress and weather changes.
Factors that may increase your risk of dyshidrotic eczema include having:
- certain genetic factors
- a personal or family history of another type of eczema
- a history of working with cement or metal
- a seasonal allergy or allergic sinusitis
- asthma
- a skin infection, such as athlete’s foot
This type of eczema is most common in people 20 to 40 years old.
The first symptom of a dyshidrotic eczema flare may be a burning, itching sensation without any visual clues. Symptoms often appear suddenly.
Then, tiny, itchy blisters may develop. They tend to appear on the:
- palms
- sides of fingers
- feet
Though less common, it can sometimes appear on the back of the hands or in other locations.
These tiny blisters can grow together and form larger areas that are very itchy, red, and raised. If the skin becomes infected, the blisters can become painful and ooze pus.
Some people describe the appearance as looking like tapioca pudding.
Typically, dyshidrotic eczema heals on its own in 2 to 3 weeks. As the blisters heal, they can cause your skin to become dry and peel. People of color may develop dark spots (hyperpigmentation) where the blisters have healed.
If your palms or soles have been inflamed and itchy for more than 1 week, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor, such as a dermatologist.
They will most likely:
- look at your skin
- ask if you’ve noticed a pattern around your blisters, such as using a new product
- ask if your activities involve coming into contact with metals
- ask if you have a history of eczema or allergies
If the lesions don’t heal, the doctor may perform an allergy test or take a skin sample to test for an infection.
They may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication.
Managing dyshidrotic eczema can depend on the severity of your symptoms. You may be able to relieve mild symptoms with care at home. If your symptoms are more severe, or if your blisters become infected, you may need prescription medications.
It’s always best to make an appointment with a doctor so that they can promptly diagnose dyshidrotic eczema and prescribe an effective treatment plan.
If your symptoms are mild, a doctor may recommend:
- using a medicated soak or applying a cool compress for 15 minutes two to four times per day
- applying a moisturizer or barrier repair cream to damp skin after a soak or bath
- applying a corticosteroid cream to help heal the blisters and reduce inflammation
- using anti-itch medication in the form of a pill or cream
- practicing meditation and other techniques to manage stress
- taking note of any jewelry, soaps, and other products that seem to make symptoms worse and avoiding them
- keeping nails short to prevent scratching, which could lead to an infection
Dietary changes for dyshidrotic eczema
Nickel and cobalt are natural elements in many foods.
Cobalt is in vitamin B12 and occurs inTrusted Source dairy products, fish, poultry, and meat.
Nickel occursTrusted Source in many foods, such as:
- cereals
- tea
- dried fruit
- cocoa and chocolate
- soy products
- legumes
If your doctor suspects your dyshidrotic eczema flares are caused by a nickel or cobalt allergy, they may suggest a point-based plan to limit the intake of these substances in your diet.
It’s not possible to do this without professional help because many foods containing these substances are also important sources of essential nutrients.
More severe or frequent symptoms might require other treatments, such as:
- prescription steroid creams
- pimecrolimus cream
- tacrolimus ointment
- systemic medications to suppress the immune system
- light treatment at a doctor’s office (but avoiding unprotected sun exposure and tanning beds)
- getting plenty of rest, if possible
- biofeedback or other techniques to help manage stress
Dyshidrotic eczema can be uncomfortable. It may affect your quality of life.
For instance, you may have difficulty:
- walking
- using your hands
- working
- sleeping
There’s also a risk of an infection from scratching.
It’s not always possible to prevent dyshidrotic eczema, but the following tips may help:
- Keep a journal of possible triggers and avoid them if possible.
- Speak with a doctor about dietary changes they may recommend.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, if possible.
- Wear protective gloves when using cleaning products, like detergent.
- Use footwear made with natural products, such as white cotton socks without dye.
- Use a strong moisturizer and emollient soap.
- Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or other techniques.
- Work with a doctor or dermatologist on a prevention plan.
Wearing two pairs of cotton, dye-free socks may help reduce the risk of contact with allergens.
Flares of dyshidrotic eczema usually resolve in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving noticeable marks or scars. However, it may come back if it’s not possible to avoid triggers.
People with skin of color may experience hyperpigmentation after a flare.
Scratching the affected area may lead to an infection and delay healing. It may also lead to scarring.
What is the difference between eczema and dyshidrotic eczema?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) and dyshidrotic eczema are both types of eczema that can develop due to triggers. Eczema typically occurs after contact with an environmental trigger and tends to cause a discolored, itchy rash. Dyshidrotic eczema may also develop due to environmental triggers but usually causes blisters and skin drying on the hands or feet.
What triggers dyshidrotic eczema?
Dyshidrotic eczema may flare in response to a trigger, such as:
- sweating
- allergic reaction, such as to nickel or cobalt
- stress
- smoking
- exposure to UV light
Is dyshidrotic eczema related to autoimmune disease?
While eczema may have some similarities to autoimmune disease and involves the immune system, it’s not considered an autoimmune disease. Eczema is usually considered an allergic response when the body reacts to an external trigger rather than an autoimmune one, where the immune system targets another part of the body.
Read more about the relationship between eczema and the immune system.
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as dyshidrosis or palmoplantar eczema, can cause blisters on the feet and hands.
The exact cause is unknown, but it may stem from hypersensitivity to certain metals, medical treatments, tobacco smoke, and other substances. Stress and weather changes may also trigger it.
Dyshidrotic eczema can affect people who work with products containing various metals and those with asthma, eczema, or other allergies and sensitivities.
You may be able to manage some of the symptoms at home, but it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
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