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Dyshidrotic Eczema - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Alternative name :: Dyshidrosis, Pompholyx and Vesicular eczema

What is Dyshidrotic Eczema ?

Also called pompholyx or vesicular eczema. Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of eczema often seen on the hands and feet where tiny blisters of serum form just below the skin's surface. Dyshidrotic eczema is a recurrent disease of the palmar and or plantar skin characterised by sudden eruptions of clear, mostly pruritic vesicles. Dyshidrotic eczema may occur in both men and women. Its onset occurs usually before the age of 40. Individuals experiencing emotional stress may be more likely to develop flare-ups of this disease.

Causes of Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)

The exact cause of Dyshidrotic Eczema is not known. Some consider it is caused by abnormal sweating. The condition may be mild with only a little peeling, or very severe with big blisters and cracks which prevent work. The first (acute) stage shows tiny blisters (vesicles) deep in the skin, associated with itching and a burning feeling. The later and more chronic stage shows more peeling, cracking, or crusting. Some patients will have mostly one stage, and some patients will have mostly the other. Some times both stages occur at the same time. Secondary infection with staphylococcal bacteria is not infrequent. The result is pain, redness, swelling and crusting or pustules.

Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)

Common symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema are :-

• Intense itching at the site of the blistering.
• Pain may occur with larger blisters.
• Cracks or fissures on the fingers or toes.

Treatment of Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)

Some of common treatment of Dyshidrotic Eczema are :-

• Soaks or compresses using weak solutions of Condy's crystals (potassium permanganate), aluminium acetate, or vinegar in water, are applied for 15 minutes four times a day. This will dry up blisters. Compresses are not suitable for dry eczema.
• Moisturizers with cream.
• Corticosteroid creams and ointments play an important role in the treatment of Dyshidrotic Eczema.
• Oral anti-pruritics such as Atarax or Benadryl may alleviate itching
• Antibiotics such as flucloxacillin.
• PUVA therapy.

Expectations (prognosis)

Dyshidrotic eczema normally resolves without problems. Uninhibited scratching and skin trauma may lead to thick, irritated skin which is more difficult to treat and has a longer healing time.

Dyshidrotic Eczema is contagious? 

Dyshidrotic Eczema is not contagious and you cannot "catch it" from anyone. It is not a fungus infection, and it has nothing to do with sweating or the sweat glands.

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