Discover the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dyshidrotic eczema in this comprehensive guide. This article will teach you how to manage this tough condition effectively in your daily life.
What is Dyshidrotic Eczema?
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as dyshidrosis or pompholyx, is a type of eczema that is characterized by small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet. The causes of dyshidrotic eczema are unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Common triggers for flare-ups include stress, allergies, exposure to certain chemicals, and changes in temperature or humidity. For most sufferers, dyshidrotic eczema is a chronic condition that impacts their daily lives. It can become a debilitating condition if nothing is done to prevent or ease the symptoms.
Who is most prone to Dyshidrotic Eczema?
Understanding the profile of those that are most prone to this condition can help in identifying potential risk factors and implementing key preventative measures to combat this condition. There are a variety of factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition, one of these is someone’s genetic predisposition. In other words, individuals with a family history of eczema are more likely to develop the condition than those that don’t because of their genetic make-up. Additionally, experts have found that those who have a history of atopic dermatitis (also referred to as eczema) are more prone to developing dyshidrotic eczema.
Dyshidrotic Eczema symptoms
Dyshidrotic eczema can cause a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. The most common symptom is the development of small, itchy dyshidrosis blisters on the hands and feet. These blisters may be filled with clear fluid and can be painful or uncomfortable. It can be tempting to pop these blisters; however, this could lead to more complications such as the risk of infection or further skin irritation.
In addition to blisters, other symptoms may include redness, dryness, and cracking of the skin. This can cause the skin to sting and feel very itchy if left untreated. Dyshidrotic eczema can be a very problematic condition as we use our hands frequently in our daily lives, therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
Dyshidrotic eczema treatment
Moisturizers and ointments
Dry, cracked skin needs to be moisturized frequently throughout the day in order to lock the moisture back into the skin and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Applying cream to your hands throughout the day can often be problematic if you need to use them for various purposes, therefore, it is important to know when to apply.
The skin is often the driest after handwashing or showering due to the heat exposure, so it is recommended to use an emollient moisturizer on the dry areas after every hand wash or shower in order to keep your hands feeling hydrated. It is also practical to apply a generous amount of moisturizer or healing ointment to your hands before going to bed as this will allow your skin to restore its natural moisture barrier overnight and will ensure your skin feels hydrated by the time you wake up. It is recommended to use 100% cotton gloves when applying moisturizer to your hands before you go to bed as this will allow your hands to fully absorb all the moisture.
Avoid exposure to certain chemicals
Since one of the main triggers for this condition is the exposure to certain chemicals, it is important to avoid exposure to these chemicals when going about your daily life. Frequent hand washing with hand soaps that contain irritants can cause a potential flare-up. Avoiding flare-ups can prove difficult for people that have to wash their hands frequently, so it is important to consider the type of hand soap that you use and ensure there are no irritants in its contents that could cause an eczema flare-up.
Potential irritants in hand soaps are chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Parabens. This not only applies to hand washing but also applies to the type of shampoo and body wash that is used when showering. It is essential to look out for these two chemicals in any household products that you use and find a suitable alternative in order to avoid frequent flare-ups. If you would like recommendations on eczema-friendly hand soap alternatives, then check out my best soaps for hand eczema article.
It is also essential to wear rubber gloves when washing the dishes or cleaning surfaces in order to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals. Certain products such as detergent or washing up liquid may contain harsh chemicals that can exacerbate your eczema symptoms.
Food eczema triggers
Diet can play a significant role in managing eczema symptoms as there is believed to be a connection between certain food groups and eczema flare-ups. Although it is not always the main cause for Dyshidrotic eczema, certain foods have been found to worsen flare-ups in individuals with this condition. By identifying and avoiding these trigger foods, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
Fatty foods, such as fried foods and high-fat dairy products are found to be common triggers for eczema flare-ups so cutting these groups out of your diet may help alleviate dyshidrotic eczema symptoms. These food groups are known to increase inflammation on the skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms. It may be wise to eliminate these food groups one by one in order to see if symptoms alleviate and to discover which food group is responsible for causing or exacerbating the symptoms.
The link between heat and eczema
When it comes to hand washing and showering, it is recommended to use lukewarm water and reduce the amount of time spent using the water as much as possible. When the skin is exposed to heat, it can become dry and dehydrated which can exacerbate eczema symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation. It is also advisable to dry your hands well after every hand wash as it is common to miss the cracks between your fingers which can then lead to this part of the skin drying out.
Additionally, it is important to avoid exercising in very hot conditions as sweating in hot weather can worsen eczema symptoms and cause a flare-up. Individuals with eczema should be mindful of heat exposure and take steps to manage and protect their skin during hot weather conditions. Although going for a run in the park on a nice summer’s day may be tempting, it is better to exercise in cooler conditions in order to avoid excessive sweating and your eczema symptoms worsening.
How to combat extreme cases of Dyshidrotic Eczema
It is worth noting that more severe cases of dyshidrotic eczema will require stronger preventative measures than milder cases. Although emollient moisturizes are recommended for milder cases and can help hydrate and soothe the skin, they may prove to be less effective when it comes to more severe cases. In this scenario, it is recommended to use topical steroids such as hydrocortisone cream in order to quickly ease symptoms; it is worth bearing in mind that these creams are high-strength and can only be applied once or twice a day on the affected area.
It’s important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions when using these types of medications and to use them consistently for the best results. In addition, if you choose to use moisturizes as well as topical steroids, it is recommended that they are fragrance free and gentle on the skin in order to avoid further irritation. If none of the treatments above help ease symptoms, it may be worth seeking advice from a dermatologist so they can formulate a personalized plan.