Dyshidrotic eczema causes small blisters that develop on the fingers, palms and soles of the feet. It can be due to exposure to cobalt or nickel, fungal infections, allergies and excessive stress. The affected area becomes thick and scaly, severe itchiness, redness and inflammation. Women are more susceptible to this condition than with men.
Dyshidrotic eczema blisters usually erupt during seasons of spring allergy. The blisters can last for 3 weeks before they start to dry up and sometimes they can become large and cause pain. Once the blisters dry up, the skin may crack where it starts to feel dense and sponge-like, particularly after the area has been scratched.
Causes of dyshidrotic eczema
- Contact with metals such as cobalt, nickel or chromium
- Stress
- Warm and humid weather
- Sweaty or wet hands and feet
- HIV infection
- Treatments for a weak immune system or immunoglobulin
Symptoms
- Redness
- Small blisters filled with fluids develops on the hands, fingers and feet
- Itchiness and flaking
- Scaly and cracked skin
- Pain
Treatment
- Apply cold and wet compress to lessen the irritation. Apply cold compress on the area for at least 15 minutes, 2-3 times every day to relieve of the itchiness and the burning sensation caused by eczema. It will also lessen the inflammation of the blisters and the pain. Another alternative is soaking a clean wash cloth in cold water and put in the fridge for at least an hour and then wrap it around the inflamed feet and hands. Wrap ice compress in a towel before applying on the affected site to prevent ice burn that can worsen the condition.
- Apply thick ointments or creams such as petroleum jelly or Vaseline, mineral oil or vegetable shortening to keep moisture in the skin and protection from any irritants. Moisturize the skin throughout the day especially after taking a bath or shower to seal water in the skin and prevent dryness and cracking.
- Use the prescribed over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream 1% to lessen pain and swelling. Massage the ointment or cream in the crevices between the toes and fingers which are the areas susceptible to dyshidrotic eczema.
- Take prescribed over-the-counter antihistamines to lessen the itchiness and the inflammation.
- Avoid taking a bath using hot water to prevent dryness of the skin. Take a cool or lukewarm baths or shower for at least 15 minutes to hydrate the skin.
- Apply the prescribed corticosteroid cream on the affected area, and then wrap the area using a plastic wrap for proper absorption of the cream and fast elimination of the blisters.
Tips
- Wash hands and feet regularly using lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap, and then pat the skin dry.
- Remove rings on the fingers before washing the hand, to prevent trapping of moisture under the rings and cause further irritations.
- Wear gloves with cotton liners when washing the dishes and washing the hands
- Avoid scratching the blisters.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/dyshidrotic-eczema
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/dyshidrotic-eczema#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyshidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352342