Fact Checked
Dyshidrosis is also called dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx which is a condition of the skin where there are small blisters filled with fluid that develops on the palms or the hands and the sides of the fingers and sometimes the soles of the feet can also be affected. The blisters due to dyshidrosis usually last for 3 weeks and causes severe itchiness and when the blisters become dry, the skin appears scaly. This condition can be caused by exposure to cobalt or nickel, fungal infection, stress and allergies.
Symptoms
- Blisters usually develop on the sides of the fingers, palms and soles of the feet.
- The blister is about the width of a standard lead of a pencil and usually appears in clusters.
- The small blisters may merge together and form a large blister and the affected area of the skin can be severely itchy or painful.
- When blisters become dry and flake off which usually happens in three weeks, the underlying skin becomes tender and red.
- Dyshidrosis recurs regularly for months or years.
Blisters usually develop on the sides of the fingers, palms and soles of the feet.
Treatment of dyshidrosis
- Apply a cold compress on the affected area in order to help lessen itchiness and burning sensations caused by eczema. It also helps minimize inflammation of the blisters and also numb the irritated nerve endings that cause pain. Immerse a clean cloth in cold water and place in the fridge for an hour before applying on the hands and feet. Wrap the inflamed skin using the cold cloth for 15 minutes at least 2-3 times every day. Another way is place few pieces of ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap it with a soft cloth and apply to the affected area of the skin. Avoid soaking the affected hand and feet directly in the ice since it can cause shock to the blood vessels and result to frostbite.
- Apply aloe vera gel several times every day for the first few days when there is redness and irritation on the hands and feet. Aloe vera gel helps in hydrating and moisturizing the skin. Open the fresh leaf of an aloe vera plant and scoop the gel inside the leaf and apply it directly on the irritated skin.
Additional measures
- Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve the irritation in the skin due to eczema. Create an oatmeal paste by mixing equal parts of oatmeal and water and then cook in slow fire until it reaches the consistency of a paste. Allow it to cool and apply directly on the affected areas of the skin. Leave it on the skin until it becomes dry and then rinse it off gently with running water.
- Another way of using oatmeal is by mixing cool water in a small basin. Immerse the hands and feet in the mixture at least 15-20 minutes every day.
- Take over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratidine to help lessen the itchiness and inflammation.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyshidrosis
https://www.healthline.com/health/dyshidrotic-eczema
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyshidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352342