Dyshidrotic Eczema                                                               

Dyshidrotic Eczema is a common skin disease that accounts for about 5% to 20% of hand eczemas. Dyshidrotic eczema is a chronic condition that affects hands and feet, finger and toes, where small blisters of serum form just below the surface of the skin. It is in the form of clear, small sized bubble-like vesicles appear on the hands and feet. When the hands are affected the dyshidrotic eczema is called cheiropompholyx and when the feet are affected is called pedopompholyx. About 80 percent of the patients have Dyshidrotic Eczema on their hands only. Ten percent of patients have Dyshidrotic Eczema on only their feet. While the rest experience breakouts in both their hands and feet.

Men and women, and people of all ages are equally likely to be affected by Dyshidrotic Eczema. There is a slightly increased likelihood that middle aged individuals would be affected. Up to twenty percent of all the eczema cases in American are dyshidrotic eczema. 

The cause of the dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, but it appears to be seasonal. There has been speculation that dyshidrotic eczema is related to the sweat glands. Many suffers of dyshidrotic eczema also experience atopic eczema and allergies. Bacterial, fungal, and other infections can also trigger breakouts. Severe emotional distress and physical contact with compounds such as nickel might also play a role. 

Dyshidrotic Eczema Treatment

In most cases, dyshidrotic eczema resolve itself in two to three weeks. Do not scratch the lesion to avoid infections. Corticosteroid creams and anti-itch creams might help relieve the symptoms. Vesicles which merge together can form larger lesions. The lesion may need to be drained or compressed with aluminum acetate. In some cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics to avoid bacterial infection. In very severe cases, botulinum injections or oral steroids may be required.