Dyshidrotic Eczema - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Dyshidrotic eczema is also known as pompholyx. It is a recurrent disease or chronic relapsing form of vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis of unknown etiology. The meaning of this disease name in Greek is “hand and bubble”. So, it is a disease in which small blisters which cause intense itching and burn develop on hands and legs. The etiology of dyshidrotic eczema is unresolved and believed to be multi-factorial. It is considered a reaction pattern caused by various endogenous conditions and exogenous factors.

The most common factor in causing Dyshidrotic eczema is allergies and the situation becomes worse if the patient is a smoker or drinks a lot of coffee. The skin of the palms, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet react to something in the environment by forming itchy blisters.

Dyshidrotic Eczema Causes

1. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is not known, but it occasionally appears to be seasonal.
2. The stress may also be a cause of this disease. Although it may not directly contribute in causing this disease but it creates other situations which lead to this disease.
3. Climate may also be a risk factor in this disease. Sudden change in climate makes this disease worse.
4. A genetic component to the development of Dyshidrotic Eczema may be involved in some patients. Pompholyx has been described in few large families

Dyshidrotic Eczema Symptoms

1. The main symptom is intense itching and burning at the site of the blistering.
2. There are cracks or fissures on the finger of hands and toes etc.
3. Peak incidence occurs in patients aged 20-40 years, although the disorder also occurs in teenagers and older patients.
4. There may be pain if the blisters are of big size.
5. This disease is more common in female as compared to males. Female to male ratio is 2:1.
6. Your physician may often diagnose dyshidrotic eczema based upon the appearance of your skin. Occasionally, a skin biopsy or skin scraping may be needed to rule out other causes.

Dyshidrotic Eczema Treatment

1. Feet should be allowed to air frequently. So try to make the feet as airy as much possible. Further if you need to wear the shoes socks should be of good quality and shoes should give maximum air.
2. Also avoid the excessive sweating and excessive dryness of the skin where this disease has occurred.
3. Avoid jewelry and other objects made up of metals which are allergic to your body especially nickel.
4. The soap should be used in a mild quantity. Excessive use of soap or soap water should be avoided.
5. Topical khellin and natural sunlight therapy have been suggested for patients with recalcitrant palmoplantar pompholyx.
6. Identification of the causes of stress and use of stress management techniques as adjuncts may be helpful in some patients.