Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic Eczema is deep-seated, fiercely itchy, blistering rash. Dyshidrotic eczema is most often found on the palms of the hands, sides of fingers, or on the soles of the feet.
Dyshidrotic Eczema was thought to be caused by the trapping of sweat beneath the thicker skin like palms and soles. The more recent and accepted belief among healthcare professionals is that dyshidrotic eczema is caused by an inherited allergic response.
The skin of the palms, sides of the fingers, and the soles of the feet react to something in the environment by forming itchy blisters.
Signs and symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Symptoms can include severe itching, cracks and fissures in the skin, excessive sweating, pain and swelling at the rash site, tiny deep-seated blisters, and weeping /crusting skin lesions.
Causes and Risks of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic Eczema can affect people of any age but it seems to be most common between the ages of 20 to 50. The condition seems to be related somewhat to genetics, and is though to be an allergic response to something in the environment. Experts suggest that nickel, balsam, and cobalt may be likely to cause this allergic response. Nickel is found in costume jewelry, while some of the other substances are used in manufacturing. Several factors can increase a persons risk for irritating or triggering a dyshidrotic eczema onset. Some of those factors may include exposure to chemicals such as fragrance from lotions, laundry detergent and fabric softener residues. Also scented hand soaps and shampoos can cause allergic reactions. Sometimes anxiety or suppressed emotions like stress and frustration can cause onsets. Bacterial infections and certain skin infections are known causes. Quick changes in environment can also account for occurrences of the condition. If someone where to travel from an area with relatively low humidity to an area with high humidity they may be more susceptible to having on onset. The same scenario would apply for vast changes in temperature.
A person with a family history of conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, or hay fever may also experience eczema like this.
Experts have noted that if someone has a fungal infection somewhere in the body it can cause dyshidrotic eczema on the hands. For instance someone with athlete’s foot may develop eczema on their hands.
Prevention of Dyshidrotic Eczema
A person that has dyshidrotic eczema can take some preventative measures to avoid onsets. Allowing feet to air dry often and managing sweating or excessive dryness. Avoiding jewelry and other objects made of nickel. Avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals such as scented soaps and regular laundry detergents with UV brighteners, or detergents that require fabric softener. They should Bath with (residue free) soaps that are gentle and rinse completely. Also be sure to use lukewarm water when rinsing or bathing.
The conditions may further be improved by managing stress and learning to express thoughts and feelings to others.
Long Term Effects of Dyshidrotic Eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema can cause a recurrent rash. The skin may heal completely between reoccurrences. Some cases can cause the skin to peel and crack possibly leading to infection. Some cases could be severe enough to force an individual from being able to work or to carry out day to day activities.
Treatments for Dyshidrotic Eczema
There is a wide verity of treatments practiced by today’s dermatologists. Keeping irritated skin dry and cool; heat sweating and moisture can often make the symptoms worse. Treatment options may include antihistamines to decrease itching. To minimize the effect of nickel chelation therapy may be used. Compresses of Burow’s solution and drainage are methods used to help the lesions. Immune suppressing medicine Azathioprine, Methotrexate, or Cyclosporine are sometimes used. Phototherapy using UV A combined with a medicine called Psoralen. Topical corticosteroid creams are sometimes prescribes to reduce itching and inflammation.
Dyshidrotic eczema usually heals completely with the right treatments, it can however reoccur. Careful management and prevention with reduce the number of outbreaks.
Any new or worsening conditions should always be reported to a healthcare provider.
Data source (http://health.discovery.com)