What is Dishydrotic Eczema?

Dishydrotic eczema is just one of the ten types of eczema that is known to us, which causes continuous blisters on the hands and feet. Dishydrotic eczema is one of very uncommon types of eczema. It starts over the sides of the fingers as itchy red bumps and then develops into a rash. The hands may be  itchy and have scaly patches on it. The condition may become severe and cause reddish, cracked and very painful. It may even worsen because of the blisters weeping. This condition may occur to any individual in their life time, but some people are more prone to this attack.

Dishydrotic eczema can also be found occurring with babies and young children where it can be found behind the sears or in the creases of the arm and leg. It is believed that you are most likely to suffer if a a parent has suffered from it thus it is hereditary. It is also believd that bottle fed babies are more likely to be sufferers than breast fed babies.
Who can get Dishydrotic eczema?

It has been found that sufferers of this unpleasant complaint are just as likely to be either men or women. It is more common in warmer climates and sweating is thought to be a cause. Other causes are known to be stress, allergies such as  hayfever sufferers and you work with certain compounds such as chromium cobalt and nickel.

Diagnosis

A doctor will often be able to diagnose this condition just by looking at the skin. Its symptoms however could be confused with a fungal infection such as Athletes foot and Doctors will often carry out a skin biopsy.

If the Doctor thinks it could be an allergy then he may also wish to carrry out a test for allergies, usually with a patch.

Treatment

Ointments and creams are recommended such as Vaseline and some Doctors may recommend Zinc Oxide Ointment. Creams such as Lucerin and Lubriderm may also be useful. Personally I have always preferred creams to ointments. Always apply after getting the affected area wet and in any event 2 or 3 times daily.

The Doctor may also prescribe Cortisone in the form of a cream or in tablet form for severe symptoms. Coal tar and Ultaviolet light therapy may also be prescribed for severe attacks.

Complications

It is important to try to avoid scratching when the skin is itchy as this will worsen the condition. Medication to help reduce itching may be prescribed such as Benydryl and Claritin.

Other complications can be bacterial skin infections which need treating if they occur.

Expectations

There is no definitive cure but the symptoms may go away for long periods only for an episode to recur at some time.