What is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema, a common type of eczema, causes small, intensely itchy blisters to form on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet. Dyshidrotic eczema is associated with seasonal allergies, and, due to this, the blisters are more likely to erupt in the spring. These blisters can be very painful, and can sometimes take weeks to disappear.

In case you haven’t heard of this type of eczema before, don’t fret, it does have a few other names that it goes by, including:

– edopompholyx (affects the feet)
– Cheiropompholyx (affects the hands)
– Vesicular palmoplantar eczema
– Dyshidrosis
– Foot-and-hand eczema
– Dyshidrotic dermatitis
– Vesicular eczema
– Pompholyx

Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema

Each type of eczema varies slightly in the way that it presents itself, so the treatment also varies slightly. So, to know how to treat yourself, it’s important to recognize your dyshidrotic eczema for what it is. All forms of eczema cause inflammation to the skin, yet they are each different in their own ways. Correctly identifying your dyshidrotic eczema is the first step in relieving your symptoms.

Common dyshidrotic eczema symptoms include:

Deep-set blisters on hands and feet (specifically on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet)
Itching
Redness
Flaking
Scaly, cracked skin
Pain

What Causes Dyshidrotic Eczema?

Dyshidrotic eczema is twice as common in women as it is in men, and even though it can occur in people of any age, it is most common in adults aged 20-40. People with contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, or hay fever are at a higher risk of developing dyshidrotic eczema. As it also is hereditary, if you have a close relative that has dyshidrotic eczema than your likelihood of getting it increases. Dyshidrotic eczema does have a tendency to get infected, which delays the healing process. If you believe that this is the case for you, then contact your doctor immediately to seek advanced treatment.

How to Treat Dyshidrotic Eczema on Hands?

Unfortunately, dyshidrotic eczema is not curable, but in many cases, it is manageable with treatment. While there is no surefire way to prevent flare-ups from happening, a good skincare regime can help to strengthen your skin against inflammation.

Conventional Treatment

While most cases of dyshidrotic eczema may be handled with natural treatments that are less invasive to the body, severe cases are often remedied with dyshidrotic eczema treatment cream (e.g., a corticosteroid cream or ointment or a prescribed injection or pill).

Some other treatments include

UV light treatments
draining large blisters
antihistamines
various anti-itch creams
immune-suppressing ointments, such as Protopic and Elidel

Natural Treatments for Eczema

1. Cold Compresses

Soaking the area where the flare-up has occurred, as well as applying cold compresses for 15 minutes at a time will help to reduce the inflammation of the skin. Repeat this process two to four times throughout the day, followed by the application of a moisturizer to the affected area for maximum effectiveness. (The short video above will show you how to apply cold compresses at home to relieve yourself of your eczema pain!)

2. Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is known for its ability to soothe irritated skin. Not only that, but it will help to speed up your healing process. To harness the power of aloe, break off a piece of the plant and apply the thick gel to your inflamed skin. Alternatively, you can buy a bottle of natural aloe vera lotion at your local pharmacy.

3. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is often used to relieve skin conditions because of its proven anti-inflammatory properties [5]. Applying oatmeal directly to your irritated skin will help to reduce your eczema symptoms and leave your skin feeling happy and healthy again.