Introduction:
Dyshidrosis is a condition in which blisters are formed on the skin causing excessive itching and usually last for three weeks. Very often, it is seen on the bottom of the feet. After the dyshidrosis blisters dry, the skin will appear scaly, and they have the tendency to recur before the skin heals completely from the previous blisters. Treatment is possible in this case which includes creams, corticosteroid pills, injections, and ointments that are rubbed on the affected area.
What Are the Symptoms of the Skin Condition?
Blisters are most frequently found over the palms and on the sides of the fingers, though they can also affect the soles of the feet. The blisters' appearance is usually small, grouped in clusters with an appearance similar to tapioca. In severe cases, a few small blisters merge with each other to form a larger blister, it can be painful and very itchy, and it gets dry and flakes off in about three weeks. It tends to recur fairly regularly for months or years and especially gets infected if the skin is scratched.
They usually pop up in clusters, and they also have;
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Red cracked skin.
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Sweaty skin around the blisters.
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Nails thicken and change their color.
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Itching and burning sensation around the blisters.
How Does the Skin Condition Occur?
The actual cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, it usually affects adults between the age of 20 to 40, and it is twice as common in women as in men. It occurs mostly in immunity-compromised patients if they are very allergic to hay fever and any family history is seen. It includes various risk factors:
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Exposure to Certain Metals - This includes cobalt, nickel, or chromium salt, usually found in industrial settings or in things like costume jewelry.
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Stress - It is found to be more common during mental and physical stress.
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Sensitive Skin - People who are in contact with the infected person are more likely prone to dyshidrosis.
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Atopic Dermatitis - Some people with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis may develop dyshidrotic eczema.
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Warm Humid Weather- A warm humidity exaggerates the skin condition by over-sweating in a particular region.
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HIV Infection- Dyshidrosis is one of the signs of various symptoms of HIV infection.
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Seasonal Allergies- Seasonal allergies also involve tiny bumps like an infection on the skin.
What Are the Complications of Dyshidrotic Eczema?
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Bacterial infection due to scratching.
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Rash that persists for a long time and does not go away.
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Pain and itching that limits the use of the hand or that particular body part.
How Is the Dyshidrotic Condition Diagnosed?
If it is found by the dermatologist that this condition is caused due to some allergy, a patch test may be recommended with that allergic substance. The allergic substance is kept on the back side of theskin to determine whether there is some reaction or not. If the dermatologist finds some allergic reactions, the doctor will:
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Observe the affected area of the hand and feet closely.
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Take a bit of fluid from the blisters if it looks infected.
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Ask about the health, ask about the job, and the history of noticing the occurrence of these blisters.
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Ask about the history of smoking.
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Had an injection of Vitamin B12.
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Worked with cutting oil or cement.
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Take any medication, which includes Aspirin or birth control pills.
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During treatment, be sure about the confirmation given to the dermatologist and mention if any metal implant procedures have been done.
How Do Dermatologists Treat the Condition?
The dermatologist will choose a course of therapy that will be carried out at home. The following will be incorporated into this treatment plan based on the specific requirements:
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Soaks and Cool Compress: Medication and cool compression can be very effective for drying blisters which should be applied two to four times in 24 hours.
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Application of Corticosteroids: After cool compressing and medication, apply cream or ointment such as Corticosteroids; this helps to reduce inflammation and clear the skin.
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Anti-itching Medicine: Antihistamine pills or other anti-itching medicine can reduce discomfort. Scratching tends to increase the condition, so anything done to reduce the itching is helpful. One very common and known anti-itch medication used by a dermatologist is Pramoxine, available as a cream or lotion that helps to relieve itch and pain.
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Application of a Moisturizer or a Barrier Repair Cream: Dyshidrotic eczema condition can make the skin extremely dry and flare-ups which can be reduced by a barrier repair moisturizer prescribed by the dermatologist.
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Medication to Treat an Infection: Dyshidrotic eczema skin can itch intensely, and frequent scratching might lead to an infection. To treat the infection, the dermatologist will first analyze the type of infection and then prescribe medication like the injection of Botulinum toxin to treat the infected area.
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Stronger Medication: Studies show that people who are likely to have this hypersensitivity and flare-ups cause blisters and are treated with corticosteroids, but some patients need stronger medication like Pimecrolimus cream or Tacrolimus. They are meant to strengthen the immune system and can be given for a few weeks.
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Light Treatments: This is the option when stronger treatment is required and takes at least three weeks. Do not try to self-treat by spending long hours outdoors without sun protection or using a tanning bed; this can increase the risk of skin cancer.
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Changes in Diet: If hypersensitivity to cobalt and nickel is present, a change in the diet chart may reduce flare-ups. A proper diet chart is prescribed by the doctor to avoid everything that contains metal. The higher the amount of nickel, the higher the point value for that food or beverage.
Conclusion:
Self-care is essential for managing dyshidrotic eczema, and treatment can improve the skin and reduce itching. A strict diet chart should be followed to get rid of dyshidrotic issues. Always be cautious in the monsoon and summer seasons as the tendency of dyshidrosis increases, so to avoid allergies, regular application of a healthy moisturizer is beneficial for the skin.
