Dyshidrotic eczema

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:

• 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.
• Scratching causes the vesticles to open up & ooze serum. Once they have dried, cracks & grooves (fissures) appear in the skin.
• Blisters can be painful, especially when several small ones come together & form a large one.

Treatment of dyshidrotic eczema:

• 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.
• Oral antihistamines to reduce the itch.
• If the skin becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
• 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.
• Avoid products containing nickel.
• Reduce stress, where possible.