Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as dyshidrosis eczema, is a type of dermatitis that causes small blisters on the hands or feet.
In most cases, this type of eczema begins between the ages of 20 and 40. Dyshidral blistering eczema is more common in women than men.
Blisters formed by blistering eczema may become itchy and painful. In some cases, small blisters can combine to form larger blisters. There are several factors that can contribute to the appearance of eczema symptoms, such as having other types of eczema, weather changes, exposure to certain metals, or work with exposed skin on your hands.
While there is no cure for dyshidroid eczema, there are several treatment options that can prevent severe flare-ups or shorten the duration of symptoms.
symptoms
The symptoms of dyshidral blistering eczema usually occur on the hands or feet.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning sensation and pain
- Excessive fistula
- Small fluid-filled blisters grow on the fingers, palms or sides of the feet
- Dry and flaky skin with blisters
- Scaling and thickening of the skin
- Thickening and discoloration of the nails
Sweat blistering eczema may come and go. Maybe it only happens once in a lifetime, maybe every month, maybe every year.
You can also infect the skin by scratching blisters caused by sweat eczema. Yellow crusts, redness, and swelling in areas with blisters may indicate a skin infection.
What causes dyshidral blistering eczema?
The exact cause of blistering eczema has not been found, but research has identified some potential contributing factors. Certain environmental factors can also trigger outbreaks. Several factors that can cause or worsen symptoms include:
- Contact with metals, especially nickel or cobalt
- Other types of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis
- Excessive sweating on your hands
- Asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or sinus infections (allergic sinusitis)
- Psychological stress
- Hot and humid weather
- Handling of cement
- Certain medications, such as birth control pills or aspirin
- Exposure to certain chemicals or irritants in soap or detergent
- Receiving intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIg)
How might dyshidral blistering eczema be diagnosed?
Currently, there is no specific test for diagnosing vesicular eczema. Dermatologists most often diagnose a condition through a physical exam and a review of your medical history. They may also examine the fluid in the blisters to determine if you have a skin infection.
Questions about work may also be asked to find out if you have been exposed to conditions that may trigger your dyshidral blistering eczema.
If a dermatologist suspects that allergies may be causing or worsening your symptoms or their severity, they may refer you to a doctor who specializes in allergies. Your doctor who specializes in allergies may perform some allergy tests to determine what you may be allergic to and whether your allergies may be causing eczema.
Eczema is often confused with other conditions such as psoriasis, herpes simplex, and fungal infections. Your dermatologist may recommend a skin biopsy, patch test, or skin stinging test to rule out other conditions or allergic reactions.
Treatment of eczema
There is no cure for sweat eczema, but there are ways to control symptoms and prevent blisters from forming. Following the recommended skin care regimen may be effective for mild cases, while medications may be needed to treat severe flare-ups.
Skincare
Adding certain steps to your skincare regimen may help you manage flare-ups, such as:
- Wash your hands with warm water and a mild detergent
- Gently pat dry skin after washing
- Apply a moisturizer immediately after washing
- Choose fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizers
- Remove rings or other jewelry when washing your hands
- Keep your nails short and avoid scratching your skin
drugs
Dermatologists often recommend topical or oral medications to treat severe dyshidroid eczema. Some common medications that can improve symptoms include:
- Corticosteroids: Your dermatologist may recommend corticosteroids, commonly known as anti-inflammatory drugs for steroids, as creams or pills. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and fistulas.
- Topical calcicity-urea inhibitors: These immunosuppressants block calci-urea and help reduce skin redness, itching, and inflammation. Tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream are two U.S. FDA-approved calcitrantum inhibitors for the treatment of dyshidral eczema.
- Phototherapy: A dermatologist may recommend phototherapy to treat severe blistering eczema. The process involves targeting specific areas or exposing all skin to the ultraviolet light of a light-emitting machine for several months to reduce skin inflammation.
- Anti-itch medications: Anti-itch medications can help reduce itching and discomfort caused by eczema. Pramocaine is a common anti-itch medication recommended by dermatologists.
- Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin injections can help reduce excessive sweating, which can trigger sweat eczema by blocking the sweat glands.
- Oral antibiotics: If you have a bacterial infection due to eczema, your dermatologist may recommend oral antibiotics.
If your blisters become larger, your dermatologist may use a sterile needle to drain the water and help prevent infection.
How to prevent dyshidral blistering eczema?
Unfortunately, there is no good way to prevent it.
However, there are ways to prevent dyshidral eczema from getting worse and recurring. These include:
- Apply heavy moisturizer to the affected area often throughout the day
- If eczema affects your hands, wear cotton gloves under waterproof gloves when doing chores
- If eczema affects your feet, wear moisture-wicking socks to keep them dry
- Avoid rubber or plastic shoes that may increase sweating on your feet
- Manage stress through different stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, and relaxation exercises
- If your occupation triggers an outbreak, take a break and/or wear personal protective equipment
Complications that may occur
Scratching itchy skin during an attack can lead to secondary infections. Infection occurs when the blisters break open and come into contact with bacteria.
You may have a skin infection if you observe the following symptoms in an area with blisters:
- Flame
- swelling
- Yellow crusts
Skin infections caused by eczema can lead to staph infections (Staphylococcus aureus). A staph infection is a common bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening body's response to an infection. You can also develop cellulitis, a skin infection that causes redness and swelling in the lower parts of your body.
Although rare, dyshidral eczema can also cause a life-threatening inflammatory skin condition called erythroderma or exfoliating dermatitis. In addition to redness and excessive itching, red skin can also cause peeling of the skin.
brief summary
Eczema is chronic, but that doesn't mean it's stable. In most cases, dyshidral eczema flares up from time to time without causing serious complications. The blisters usually clear within three to four weeks. As soon as you experience dyshidral blistering eczema symptoms, consult a dermatologist immediately, as starting early treatment can help reduce flare-ups and their severity.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life for people with dyshidroid eczema. Taking precautions, such as keeping your skin moisturized, avoiding scratching your skin, and treating flare-ups, can help you stay comfortable and reduce your likelihood of infection.