Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of skin problem that often happens in the spring. It can’t be completely cured, but it can be managed. It usually causes small, itchy blisters.
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation, also called dermatitis. In the U.S., about 35 million people have eczema, and around 70% of them are children under five.
When eczema flares up, the skin gets red, itchy, swollen, and may develop fluid-filled bumps that can leak or form crusts. Allergies are the most common cause, but it can also run in families. Eczema cannot spread from person to person.
One common type of eczema is dyshidrotic eczema, also called pompholyx. It’s a long-lasting skin condition that keeps coming back, causing itching. It usually appears on both hands and feet, especially on the palms, fingers, and soles. It causes small, deep blisters about 1–2 mm in size, which later dry out and peel after a few weeks.
There are many names for this condition, including pompholyx, acute and recurrent vesicular hand dermatitis, acute palmoplantar eczema, vesicular endogenous eczema, cheiropompholyx (hands), podopompholyx or pedopompholyx (feet), and cheiropodopompholyx.
Not all skin inflammation is dyshidrotic eczema, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis before starting treatment.
Common signs of dyshidrotic eczema include:
- Deep blisters on the hands and feet, especially on the edges of fingers, toes, palms, and soles
- Itching
- Redness
- Flaking skin
- Cracked or scaly skin
- Pain
People who have contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, or hay fever are more likely to get dyshidrotic eczema. It can also get infected easily, which can make it take longer to heal.
There’s no cure for dyshidrotic eczema, and flare-ups can’t always be prevented, but a good skincare routine can help protect your skin from inflammation.
The usual treatment is creams, often corticosteroid creams or ointments, or sometimes a prescription pill or injection.
Other treatments may include:
- UV light therapy
- Draining large blisters
- Antihistamines
- Anti-itch creams
- Immune-suppressing ointments like Protopic and Elidel
In addition to regular treatments, there are natural ways to help manage and soothe dyshidrotic eczema. Keeping your skin clean and well-moisturized is one of the best ways to control it. The treatment and how often you do it will depend on your symptoms, but natural, at-home methods let you feel safe about what you put on your skin.
Cold Compresses:
To reduce skin inflammation, soak the affected area and apply a cold compress for 15 minutes. Do this two to four times a day, then put on moisturizer for the best results.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is well-known for calming irritated skin and helping it heal faster, which can ease eczema symptoms. For best results, cut a piece of the plant and apply the thick gel directly to the affected skin. You can also buy natural aloe vera lotion from a pharmacy.
Oatmeal:
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for easing skin issues like dyshidrotic eczema. Applying oatmeal to irritated skin can reduce symptoms and make your skin feel calm and healthy.
