Treatment of Dyshidrotic Eczema and Possible Causes of Dyshidrosis

All eczema can cause psychological pain and social distress, and, as a result, it is a condition that is often self-treated because of embarrassment. When a patient finally visits a doctor, a skin condition (eczema) with typical characteristics can be diagnosed. It is sometimes the case that a physician treats based on an assumption of what is causing the eczema and a return trip is required. But once the right eczema treatment is begun, the response can be quick with relief of itching, disappearance of red inflamed skin, and healing of cracks that may have been bleeding.

One form of eczema which appears in different levels of seriousness is known as Dyshidrotic Eczema (also known as Dyshidrosis, Dyshidrotic Eczema, and Pompholyx). This particular dermatitis is characterized by very small, pinhead size blisters known as vesicles. These blisters most often occur on the sides of fingers and toes, and on the palms of hands and soles of feet. Since the blister occurance is most often at the hands and feet, dyshidrotic eczema is sometimes referred to as hand eczema or foot eczema. The blisters are often referred to as "tapioca-like". Extreme itching is present at the site of this skin eczema. Scratching makes the skin aggravated and sore, and leads to more eruptions, redness, cracks, and bleeding. If the cause of this eczema is unknown, trying an astringent soak may give some relief. See http://hubpages.com/hub/Domboro-Solution-for-the-Treatment-of-Allergic-Irritations-of-the-Skin.

The duration of this kind of eczema can be from a few days, to recurring over a long period of time. Dyshidrotic eczema usually resolves itself. Normally it does not result in serious problems. The degree of disease can be from a mild case with a smaller concentration of blisters to a severe case with tiny blisters and severe itching densely covering the commonly affected areas. In time, without treatment, severe cases can result in cracks, open sores, bleeding, and crusting from serum. Serum is a component of blood that contains antibodies.

The most important thing to help the body begin to heal itself is to STOP THE ITCHING so the patient does not continue to scratch . There are a group of medicines called corticosteroids which help the body's immune system to slow down the reaction causing the eczema at the skin. Corticosteroids are man-made medications that resemble cortisone, a hormone produced by the body. They are used to treat inflammation and help to relieve pain and stiffness.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

These medications, many creams, are very often prescribed for dyshidrotic eczema. This potency chart shows brand-name topical steroid medications along with the generic version. Complete chart found at

http://www.psoriasis.org/netcommunity/sublearn03_mild_potency

ONLY A PHYSICIAN CAN PRESCRIBE AND RECOMMEND TREATMENT WITH THIS TYPE OF ECZEMA MEDICINE:

Class 1 corticosteroids - Super potent - Clobetasol (Timovate)

Class 2 - Potent - Lidex Cream/Gel/Ointment, 0.05% Fluocinonide

Class3 - Upper mid-strength - Lidex-E Cream, 0.05%

Class 4 - Mid-strength - Kenalog Cream/Spray, 0.1% Triamcinolone acetonide

Class 5 - Lower mid-strength -Westcort Cream, 0.2% Hydrocortisone valerate

Class 6 - Mild Synalar - Cream/Solution, 0.01% Fluocinolone acetonide

Class 7 - Least Potent - Cortaid Cream/Spray/Ointment Hydrocortisone

When cleaning the site of the dyshidrosis, the patient should use as little soap in water as possible, but yet, clean the area thoroughly. Dove soap is frequently recommended in the literature. The area should be patted dry. Then a topical steroid prescribed by a doctor after consultation is applied to the skin. Physicians also frequently prescribe antihistamines, like Benadryl, to reduce the itching. Occassionally, for serious outbreaks, Prednisone, an oral steroid, is prescribed. The use of corticosteroids (prescription only), and medication to control itching, is the most frequent route of the physician to achieve an eczema cure.

There are several theories about what triggers the dyshidrotic episodes. Some believe that metals such as nickel and chromium can be the culprits usually after exposure to cement or machinery. These folks recommend an "eczema diet" to help control outbreaks. Others believe that fungal infections and bacterial infections can be the instigators. Some believe that stress has a large role in these blistery occurances, while just as many patients feel that stress had nothing to do with it. Another theory is that exposure to water for a long time can cause the eruptions. There is evidence that dishwashers and kitchen helpers with their skin exposure to water frequently show symptoms. Heat exposure and seasonal allergies may bring dyshidrotic eczema on.

Because of the connection between wet or damp exposure and dyshidrosis, it is recommended that the hands and feet not be in contact with man-made materials. These materials tend to harbor the moisture. It is advised that the hands can be covered with cotton gloves after administering topical creams. Feet should be covered with natural (breathing) materials such as cotton. Leather shoes are often recommended.

HOME Cures for Eczema:

from (http://www.ohiohealth.com/bodymayo.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&ref=3059) :

Avoid scratching the rash.

Limit your skin exposure to water.

Moisturize with a hand cream after washing your hands.

Take measures to protect your hands from irritants, such as perfumed lotions or dishwashing soap.

The following is a NATUROPATHIC TREATMENT for dyshidrotic eczema (taken from http://www.ehow.com/facts_5016923_natural-treatment-dyshidrosis-eczema.html), by Carolyn Lawrence.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Using a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide can heal persistent blisters; however, it is advisable to use it only once a week. Simply dab the peroxide with a cotton ball on the affected areas to alleviate the symptoms.

White Vinegar Soak

A white vinegar soak for the affected area can alleviate and treat the dyshidrotic eczema. The vinegar changes the pH balance of the skin, effectively stopping any fungal growth on the skin.

Nickel

Removing nickel from your diet can help prevent future outbreaks, as nickel is a known trigger for dyshidrosis eczema. Foods like chocolate, oatmeal, shellfish, almonds and canned vegetables are high in nickel.

Oatmilk

Using an oatmilk soak for the affected area will relieve the pain and sooth the itching associated with dyshidrotic eczema.

　Dyshidrotic eczema is a malady that affects people around the globe. The reason for all of the blisters and itching, and the very best treatment and cure have yet to be discovered. If you are experiencing the symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema you ought to consult a doctor and should get immediate treatment.

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