Dishidrosis (eczema on the feet and hands): symptoms, medications, etc.

Definition

What is dyshidrosis (eczema on the hands and feet)?

Dysidrosis eczema is a type of atopic dermatitis characterized by the appearance of blistered rashes on the palms of the hands and feet, or between the fingers. Dishidrosis is a non-contagious skin disease.

Dysidrosis eczema does not cause inflammation that makes the skin on the hands and feet turn red. However, they can contain fluid that is itchy and sore.

Eczema on the hands and feet characteristic of dyshidrosis (or dyshidrotic) cannot be cured. The blisters usually heal within three weeks, but this condition usually recurs repeatedly. This can result in cracking and thickening of the skin.

Another medical term that is also used to describe dyshidrosis is pompholyx and vesicular eczema. In addition, dyshidrotic is also often called eczema on the hands and feet.

How common is this disease?

Dishidrosis is the third most common type of dermatitis that occurs in adults aged 20 to 40 years. Eczema on the hands and feet is twice as common in women as in men.

People who have a history of allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, or are descendants of families with dyshidrosis eczema are more prone to experiencing this type of eczema.

About half of those who have eczema on the feet and hands also have atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Although it cannot be completely avoided, this condition can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. You can discuss with your doctor to get more information about eczema treatment.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of dyshidrosis eczema?

Each type of dermatitis has similar main symptoms, such as a red, itchy rash. However, dyshidrosis has different characteristics than other types of eczema.

Dyshidrosis eczema is characterized by the appearance of small blisters on the feet and hands with the following characteristics.

• Blisters appear on the hands, feet and fingers. It is more common in the tips, folds and edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet.
• The blisters are very small (3 mm in diameter or less) and usually filled with fluid.
• The blisters are opaque and deep. Some are flat with the skin and some are slightly raised and are not easily broken.
• The small blisters may come together and form a large blister.
• The blisters can be itchy, painful, or cause no symptoms at all. The blisters get worse when they come into contact with water, soap, or other irritating substances.
• Scratching will cause the blister to break, leaving the skin crusted and eventually cracked. These cracks can take weeks or months to heal.
• The fluid from the blister comes from blood serum that collects between the irritated skin cells.
• In some cases, the blisters can be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, which is characterized by the appearance of a lump under the armpit.
• The nails on the affected fingers or toes may appear speckled.

In some cases, it is difficult to see the blisters on the fingers and toes because of the thicker skin texture.

Sometimes, large blisters will form and be painful. Usually the blister will feel itchy and cause the skin to become scaly and peel off. The infected area of ​​eczema also becomes chapped and painful to the touch.

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the worsening of dyshidrosis. So consult a dermatologist as soon as possible to prevent this serious condition.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, or have any questions about dyshidrosis, consult your doctor.

Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes this disease?

The cause of dermatitis, including dyshidrosis, is still not known for sure. However, experts suspect that its appearance is closely related to a history of conditions such as seasonal allergies, contact dermatitis, and other types of eczema.

Most cases found indicate that dyshidrosis can be classified as a hereditary disease. If you have a family with dyshidrosis, your chances of getting this disease will be higher.

Triggers

What are the triggers for dyshidrosis eczema?

Here are some trigger factors that contribute to the appearance of eczema on the hands and feet.

• Often experience stress.
• Have sensitive skin.
• Are exposed to allergens such as pollen.
• Moist hands and feet from excessive sweating or prolonged contact with water.
• Daily contact with objects containing nickel metal, such as keys, cell phones, eyeglass frames, stainless steel, metal buttons and zippers.
• Eating foods containing nickel, such as cocoa, chocolate, oatmeal, nuts, almonds, and canned goods.
• Using items that contain cobalt, such as cobalt blue plates, paints and varnishes, certain medical devices, and jewelry.
• Eat foods containing cobalt, such as shellfish, green vegetables, liver, milk, nuts, oysters, and red meat.
• Being exposed to chromium salts, a material used in the manufacture of cement, mortar, leather, paints and anti-corrosion.

It is also possible for you to experience dyshidrosis along with other types of contact dermatitis. It is important to understand the types, symptoms and triggers of eczema you may have so that you can better manage them.

The only way to be sure that you have dyshidrosis is to consult your doctor.

Diagnosis and treatment

How do doctors diagnose dyshidrosis eczema?

In most cases, doctors can diagnose dyshidrosis of eczema based on a physical examination.

There are no laboratory tests that specifically confirm the diagnosis of this disease. However, your doctor may recommend a number of tests to eliminate other skin problems that are causing similar symptoms so that the diagnosis is narrower.

For example, your doctor may test your skin for the type of fungus that is causing problems such as athlete's foot (water fleas). Skin allergies and sensitivities can be revealed by exposing parts of your skin to various substances.

What are the treatments for dyshidrosis eczema?

The appearance of eczema on the hands and feet can be controlled with certain treatments. Depending on the severity of the features and symptoms that appear, the treatment options for dyshidrosis eczema are:

1. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid creams and ointments have the potential to accelerate the loss of blisters. In severe cases of dyshidrosis, doctors sometimes also prescribe corticosteroid pills such as prednisone.

You can also apply a moist compress after applying corticosteroids to increase drug absorption. While they are potent, steroids should be used with caution as long-term use can cause serious side effects.

2. Phototherapy

If other treatments have not been effective, your doctor may recommend one specific type of light therapy. Phototherapy combines exposure to ultraviolet light with special drugs that can make your skin more receptive to the effects of this light.

3. Immune system suppressant ointments

Medicines such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can treat symptoms by suppressing the function of the immune system when the body is exposed to allergens or irritants. This drug can be an alternative for sufferers who want to reduce their use of corticosteroids.

4. Botox injections

Doctors can also recommend Botox injections to treat severe cases of dyshidrosis. Injections into problem areas of the skin will reduce sweat production and relieve symptoms of itching.

Prevention

How to prevent recurrence of dyshidrosis?

Here are lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help prevent the recurrence of dyshidrosis of eczema.

• Cold compresses on the problematic skin.
• Routinely use the ointment as directed by your doctor.
• Routinely apply a doctor-prescribed moisturizer or natural moisturizer such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and others.
• Avoid foods that contain the minerals nickel and cobalt.
• Does not scratch or break the blister.
• Maintain body hygiene by washing your hands regularly, but not too much.
• Avoid excessive contact with water.
• Avoid products that can cause eczema to recur, such as lotions or soaps that contain fragrances.

Dishidrosis does cause very disturbing symptoms, especially because the affected skin is on the hands and feet. The cause is not known with certainty, but there are a number of risk factors that you can avoid.

If you feel the symptoms of dyshidrosis eczema, don't hesitate to discuss with your doctor to get the right treatment. Treatment will also help prevent recurrence of the disease.