The 411 on Dyshidrotic Eczema
You should eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, and visit your doctor for regular exams in order to live a healthy lifestyle. But unfortunately, certain issues may still arise even if you are following these important steps.You should pay particular attention to your skin for your health and wellness, especially considering your skin is your body’s largest organ. Because the skin is your largest organ, it is placed under a great deal of stress, which can lead to different disorders. Dyshidrotic eczema is a common skin condition, but you may not be familiar with this type of eczema.
With this guide, and your dermatologist’s help, you will learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Dyshidrotic eczema.
Causes
Dyshidrotic eczema may stem from a variety of things. In most cases, the cause is difficult to determine because there are so many factors that can contribute to the condition.
Because many patients develop the eczema blisters while experiencing seasonal or environmental allergies, such as hay fever, many experts believe Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of allergic reaction. Individuals who are experiencing excessive amounts of stress and anxiety also have a higher risk of developing eczema. But this reaction may be due to the fact the body’s immune system struggles when a person experiences stress.
If your hands or feet are constantly in water or moist in some manner, they also have a higher risk of developing this form of eczema.
Signs
Each person is different, so you may have different symptoms of Dyshidrotic eczema than another person. However, the development of deep blisters on the hands is usually the first sign of this disorder.
The blisters can vary in size and cause a burning sensation on the skin. The blisters may also be itchy, but you should never scratch the skin. Scratching the blisters can cause them to become infected, resulting in swelling and inflammation of the skin.
For many patients, the blisters become so severe that using the affected hands or walking on affected feet can be painful and difficult. Without treatment, the blisters can take two to three weeks to heal. And once they disappear, the skin may be dry and brittle. For the skin to heal, it may begin to peel. Treatment can help the blisters and skin heal more efficiently.
Heavy perspiration from the skin around the blisters is also common. This is your body’s natural response as it attempts to fight off the eczema.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there are no proven ways to prevent outbreaks of Dyshidrotic eczema, but you can ease the symptoms by managing the flare-ups.
Topical ointments are usually the first option your dermatologist will suggest. Topical ointments like corticosteroid creams can be applied directly to the affected area of your skin. These anti-inflammatory creams reduce swelling and inflammation, decreasing the pain and itchiness caused from the blisters.
With more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or oral medications may be prescribed.
You can also ease discomfort if you keep your feet moisturized as your blisters heal and the skin begins to dry out. However, avoid any moisturizers and lotions that contain fragrances or other chemicals. Petroleum jelly and mineral oil are both good natural moisturizer options for your affected skin.
Dyshidrotic eczema may not be life-threatening, but it can affect your quality of life. If you are currently suffering from this type of eczema or any other skin disorder, you should seek medical attention right away.
To learn more, contact East Carolina Dermatology and Skin Surgery, PLLC, today. Our medical team has the expertise to help relieve your pain and treat your condition to prevent further issues and flare-ups.