Dyshidrotic Eczema: Understanding, Symptoms, and Treatments
In summer, you want to enjoy the outdoors, but eczema can be a problem. Dyshidrotic eczema is common in spring. If you have small, itchy blisters, you might have it. Eczema isn’t curable yet, but it can be managed. Learning about it is the first step to feeling better.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a group of skin inflammation diseases, also called Dermatitis. It’s a chronic issue for many, starting in 70% of cases in children under 5. During a flare-up, the skin gets red, itchy, swollen with fluid-filled bumps that may ooze and crust. It’s often an allergic reaction, not contagious, and can be hereditary. There are different types, with dyshidrotic eczema being common.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, very itchy blisters on the edges of fingers, toes, palms, and soles. It’s linked to seasonal allergies and more likely in spring. These blisters can be painful and take weeks to go away. It has other names like edopompholyx (for feet), Cheiropompholyx (for hands), etc.
Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Symptoms include deep-set blisters on hands and feet, itching, redness, flaking, scaly and cracked skin, and pain. It’s twice as common in women as in men, most common in 20-40-year-olds. People with contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, or hay fever are at higher risk. It can be hereditary and may get infected, so see a doctor if that happens.
Treatment Options
It’s not curable but manageable. A good skincare routine helps. For severe cases, there are creams (like corticosteroids), injections, or pills. Other treatments are UV light, draining blisters, antihistamines, anti-itch creams, and immune-suppressing ointments.
- Cold Compresses: Soak the affected area and apply cold compresses for 15 minutes, 2-4 times a day. Then use a moisturizer.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera soothes skin and speeds up healing. Use the plant’s gel or buy aloe vera lotion.
- Oatmeal: With anti-inflammatory properties, applying oatmeal relieves eczema symptoms and makes skin healthy.
