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Dyshidrotic eczema
Overview:
Also known as (pompholyx eczema, housewife's
eczema, vesicular eczema), dyshidrotic eczema is a recurrent form of eczema
usually affects the hands and less commonly the
feet. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is not
known, previously it was thought excessive
sweating & or stress were triggers, it is now
believed to be an environmental allergy such as
nickel, smoking, fungal infections & certain
foods. The condition often become worse in hot
& humid weather, hence why it was once believed
to be caused by sweating.
Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema:
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Small, intensely itchy, bumps beneath the
skin that progress to fluid filled vesticles.
They are found on the hands, including the
palms, tips & sides of the fingers, soles of
the feet & toes.
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Scratching causes the vesticles to open up &
ooze serum. Once they have dried, cracks &
grooves (fissures) appear in the skin.
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Blisters can be painful, especially when
several small ones come together & form a
large one.
Treatment of dyshidrotic eczema:
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Avoiding the use of irritants where
possible.
-
During an outbreak, topical steroid
ointments. It is generally recommended to
use the lowest strength possible & apply
only on affected areas. Long term side
effects of topical steroid ointments include
thinning of the skin.
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Oral antihistamines to reduce the itch.
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If the skin becomes infected, your doctor
may prescribe antibiotics.
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Ultraviolet therapy. This is known as
phototherapy & uses an ultraviolet light.
Either ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B
(UVB). In severe cases, a substance called
psoralen is applied prior to
phototherapy. Psoralens make the skin more
sensitive to UV light. This is known as PUVA
(psoralens plus ultraviolet A). Ultraviolet
exposure does increase the risk of skin
cancer.
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Avoid products containing nickel.
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Reduce stress, where possible.
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