Dyshidrotic Eczema/dyshidrosis Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Dyshidrotic eczema or dyshidrosis is a skin disease resulting in the formation of small, fluid filled blisters. These blisters are formed on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. They can also form on your fingers. These blisters usually heal around three to four weeks. This disease has the ability to recur even if you are completely recovered from it. It is also known as pompholyx or cheiropompholyx. It is the most common type of dermatitis. It is more common in women than men. It is common in people of all ages but people under the age of 40 are more prone to dyshidrotic eczema or dyshidrosis.

Causes

The exact cause of dyshidrotic eczema is still unknown. There are a number of factors causing dyshidrotic eczema including genetics. There is a gene named filaggrin that is responsible for the development of dyshidrosis. Abnormality in the sweat glands and excessive sweating can also cause dyshidrotic eczema. Seasonal allergies, athlete’s foot and psoriasis can also increase the chance of this disease. Stress and depression also plays an important role in the etiology of dyshidrosis. People with weak immune systems are more susceptible to dyshidrotic eczema.

Symptoms

Mostly the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema appear on hands.  The clinical presentation of dyshidrotic eczema includes the following symptoms of,

• Fluid filled blisters
• Vesicles on fingers
• Itching
• Redness
• Painful and cracked skin
• Extreme precipitations
• Burning sensations around the blisters
• Skin swelling and crusting

 Treatment

There is no effective treatment available for dyshidrotic eczema. Your dermatologist prescribes medicines for reducing the severity of your symptoms. Antihistamines are given for the reduction of itching. Corticosteroids ointments or creams are used to reduce the severity of inflammation and irritation. Try to use anti-itching creams that contain pramoxine. You should use petroleum jelly and alcohol free moisturizer for maintaining the hydration level of your skin. Your dermatologist may prescribe you medicines for draining the blisters. Oral steroids such as prednisone are also used to reduce the skin inflammation. Phototherapy is also proved to be very effective for treating the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema. Protopic and elidel are used to suppress the immune system and they are rarely used.